Preston's first team squad brought some festive cheer to the Royal Preston Hospital after making their annual visit to the hospital's children's ward.
The players made their way to the hospital after training where they acted as Santa Claus for the day, bearing gifts for the children who will be spending the festive period in the hospital.
North End's first team players kindly donated money for goody bags which they gave out to the children, which included things such as; North End calendars, teddy bears and computer mouse's.
Children were able to have photographs taken with their Preston heroes and Preston Captain Callum Davidson understands the importance of these visits and likes to wish the children well whilst recovering on the ward. Davidson told pne.com:
"It means a lot to us to pay these visits, I think it is nice even to just say hello and hopefully we can try and raise their spirits even just a tiny bit before Christmas.
"Obviously having kids myself, I now understand the hospital visits more so from when I started playing and I now realise the importance of going to see them and just in any way you can, try and help a little bit.
"This is probably good for the parents as well as the young kids. I think that the toys and teddy's are just a small token but we're basically here to wish them well. If they're fans of Preston then they will appreciate it so hopefully they can talk about it for a bit longer."
Preston goalkeeper Andy Lonergan believes that the day was a success and was glad to see so many happy faces on the ward.
"There is a little lad here who is absolutely buzzing that we are here and that makes it worth everybody's day," Lonergan told pne.com.
"It is good to see everybody happy, you feel a tiny bit awkward at first but when you see how happy they all are it is good.
"You come in here and it puts everything into perspective, they have all got a smile on their faces and I suppose that is the most important thing for the day, make everyone enjoy it, give out the free gifts and hopefully make their day a bit better.
"You wouldn't wish this on anyone and hopefully we bring them a bit of excitement today and I don't think there is much more you can do. Hopefully they will be alright and they will spend Christmas at home where they deserve to be.
"The club does a good job and the lads turn up and everyone's here who can be here so I think it is great for them."
The visit was organised by the Sir Tom Finney Foundation and North End would also like to thank Argos at the Deepdale Retail Park, who kindly donated toys which will remain at the children's ward all year round.
North End's Community manager Gary Robinson has paid tribute to the players and the staff at the children's ward. Robinson said:
"I would like to thank the players for coming down and meeting the children at the hospital. I would also like to thank Argos for donating presents for the ward and pay a special tribute to the staff here who do an amazing job with the children."
