Preston North End and Preston North End Community and Education Trust have continued their annual support for the Royal Preston Hospital with the donation of toys to the children’s ward.

While the first team squad’s annual Christmas visit to the hospital, to hand out gifts and meet sick children, has not been possible this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the club and the Community and Education Trust have again donated toys to the children’s ward.

Children have received Preston North End themed goodie bags funded by the club and the Community and Education Trust, which also include selection boxes provided by Hinduja Global Solutions.

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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.”

All items were donated to the hospital earlier this month, allowing enough time for them to be quarantined before having them passed on to the children in time for Christmas, ensuring maximum safety for the children in line with the current Coronavirus crisis.

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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!”

Proud Preston. This, and many stories like it, show how the people of Preston are making a difference. Our Proud Preston section showcases all the charitable, kind, uplifting and great things about our city and the people who live here. #ProudPreston is alive and well, and there’s much to celebrate and be proud of, despite the challenging times we all face.

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