Preston North End’s annual Christmas visit to Royal Preston Hospital was a popular one with patients, families and staff on the Children’s Ward.
Armed with toys, selection boxes and souvenirs provided by the club, manager Paul Heckingbottom brought the squad across from their Euxton training base as they took time out from preparations for Saturday’s Championship clash with QPR at Loftus Road to bring some festive cheer to those in hospital at what should be a happy and joyful time.
The North End contingent, including captain Ben Whiteman, Kaine Kesler-Haiden, Robbie Brady, Ryan Ledson, Will Keane and David Cornell – took time to chat with all, pose for photographs and sign autographs.
Midfielder Whiteman said: "No one wants to be in in hospital over Christmas, but the amazing support and hard work of the staff is obviously keeping the spirits up as best as possible. My partner is a midwife so I understand the hours that everyone does here and the effort they put in, and they are real life superheroes.
“It's been an amazing experience meeting all the families and hearing their stories. It was good to see a few North End fans as well, get their opinions on things, and give out some presents to the children. It was a great day, and hopefully everyone is back home fit and well as close to Christmas as possible.”
Paediatrics Assessment Unit Manager Amelia Conway added: “Thanks to Preston for making their annual visit, they really took the time to spend with the kids, they were really good with the children, and they went round again to make sure they hadn’t missed anybody!
“It’s great for the children and their parents – you often see the parents’ faces light up before the kids! It’s a really good boost for the staff as well. I’ve been here for 11 years, and Preston come every year - it’s a nice tradition. The club and the players like coming in and giving to the community and seeing some of their fans.”
