PNE donate Christmas gifts to sick children at Royal Preston Hospital

The team's annual Christmas visit to the hospital, to hand out gifts and meet sick children, has not been possible this year due to the ongoing pandemic.

But the club and its Community and Education Trust has continued its tradition of donating toys for the children to open on Christmas Day.

The children have received Preston North End themed goodie bags, which also include selection boxes provided by Hinduja Global Solutions.

Midfielder Alan Browne has made the annual Christmas visit to Royal Preston Hospital along with the rest of the first team squad for the past five years.

He said: "We’re disappointed that we can’t visit the children at the Royal Preston Hospital this year due to the current pandemic, so it’s important that we continue to show our support with these gifts for the children.

"Our annual hospital visit is an important event, for us as players to get out into the local Preston community and visit the children who are unfortunately suffering.

"While we cannot be with them this year, we hope that the toys can bring some joy to them and their families.

"We’re sure that our visit next year will be bigger and better than ever as we look forward to visiting those children who are in hospital and hopefully bringing a smile to their faces.

"We wish all of our supporters a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

The Christmas gifts were donated to the hospital earlier this month, allowing enough time for them to be quarantined before they were handed to the children in time for Christmas.

Paula Wilson, head of charities and fundraising at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We would like to say a big heartfelt 'thank you’' to all at Preston

North End for their continued generous support.

"The donations of toys for children will make a huge difference to our younger patients on the children’s ward, some of whom can be with us for long periods of time, and to be with us at Christmas will not only be difficult for them but for their families too.

"Gifts such as these will not only help to put a smile on their faces, but will also help them to have a better time in hospital. Thank you so much!"

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