Liverpool have important on-field matters to attend to in Bucharest this evening, but Rafa Benitez and his players today took time out of their finely-tuned matchday routine to brighten the lives of children who face an uncertain future.

At the request of the British Embassy in Bucharest, a group of children from a local charity - all of whom are either battling against cancer or have beaten the illness - met up with the Reds' party at the team hotel to have photographs taken and autographs signed as they enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime meeting with their heroes.

"It's really important for us to do things like this," said boss Rafael Benitez. "It is so simple and costs nothing.

"These children have shown character and fight in their lives and for them to see the players was massive. Match day is an important time for us but it was good to be able to spend some time with children and give them a special moment."

'The Little People' charity, based in the Romanian capital, organised the meet and greet with the Liverpool party and for organiser Shajjad Rizvi it was an experience to savour.

"I can't thank Liverpool Football Club enough," he said. "We asked the question if we could meet them and when we got the email saying this would be organised we were jumping up and down and screaming with delight.

"The children will never forget this. One of them had a brain tumour and travelled 500 kilometres to be here today. His favourite player is Steven Gerrard and it was his dream come true when he shook his hand and said hello.

"Today shows Liverpool FC care and that means so much to us. It was absolutely magic.

"We were given signed balls which will be taken back to our cancer ward in the city and so can be enjoyed not just by the children who were here today, but by many others as well.

"We're all looking forward to tonight's match now - Liverpool will win 5-0!

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Liverpool Football Club for making today happen. It really means so much." 

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