Preston North End Football Club put a smile on the faces of those on the Children’s Ward at Royal Preston Hospital earlier this week, on their annual visit to Lancashire Teaching Hospitals to visit children in hospital over Christmas.
Armed with toys, selection boxes and calendars, provided by the club, manager Ryan Lowe, captain Alan Browne, defender Greg Cunningham and striker Will Keane took time out from preparations for Saturday’s Championship clash with Watford at Deepdale to bring some festive cheer to those in hospital at what should be a happy and joyful time.
The visit proved popular with the children, their families and the staff, with the North End contingent taking time to chat with all and pose for photographs.
Republic of Ireland international Cunningham said: “Days like this put everything into perspective, handing out some gifts and chocolate to the kids – a lot of them will be in hospital over Christmas, which is tough, but the main thing is they get better and hopefully go home soon.
“It’s nice to come to the hospital and represent the club and give back in any way that we can, I have a daughter myself, so it touches home a lot more when you see the families in here, so hopefully the children get better and have a lovely Christmas.”
Boss Lowe added: “It’s always good for the club to come and show our support to the people who are going to spend Christmas in hospital and help put a smile on their faces. I think it’s vitally important as part of the community, you see a lot of PNE fans here, and it’s nice to take some pictures with the kids, and show our support to the hospital as well.
“It’s hard on a parent to see their children in hospital, especially this time of year. I’m a parent myself, so a big shout out to the hospital staff as well, because they do an amazing job. I’d like to wish them all a Merry Christmas from myself, the staff, players and everyone at PNE.”
Paediatrics Assessment Unit Manager, Amelia Conway, who helped facilitate the visit, said: “There were lots of smiling faces, it’s difficult around Christmas time, hospital is the last place you want your child to be, especially at this time of year. But this spreads a bit of joy for a lot of the families, PNE are heroes to them, born and bred fans, so it’s nice to see. There are a few fans among the staff as well, they always get excited about the visit!”
Play Leader Karen Seed added: “It just makes everyone a bit happier, the staff are happy to see what it means to the people they care about, and it makes the children smile, which is nice, even if they’re not football fans – it makes a big difference at this time of year.”
