Lilywhites stars were helping to raise breast cancer awareness by getting on their bikes.
John Welsh, Keith Keane and Will Hayhurst spent the afternoon in the company of Deepdale Duck, the North End commercial team and the ASDA superstore in Fulwood staff, as they joined forces in support of the Tickled Pink charity.
The PNE players took it in turn to get on the bike at the front of the store as customers and fans alike dipped into their pockets to help raise money for Breast Cancer Care and Breast Cancer Campaign.
Speaking in support of the cause, midfielder Welsh said: “It is good to give back whenever you can and it takes nothing to give up a bit of time to come down here and raise a bit of money for a great charity.
“It is always great to get into the community and meet the local people and the local fans.
“A few of them were having a go at me for not pedalling quick enough so it is all great banter with them and it is always nice to meet new people and get a few new fans who will come to the games.
“Cancer is something which affects a lot of people and every little helps, so anything we can raise today will, I’m sure, go a long way to helping the charity.”
As always when you put competitive people together, the trio were having a mini challenge to see who could pedal the furthest with opinions divided between the three, as the good natured spirit of the day shone through.
“It wouldn’t be a competition; I think I have done more miles than they two combined!” said Keane, as he pedalled hard to the amusement of his team-mates, whilst Welsh seemed happier to think of the benefits.
“You can see how slow Will is pedalling now so I think he is tiring! You get out what you put in so I am sure that 20 minutes on the bike here will help come Saturday!”
Despite the fun being had, there was a serious underpinning message to the festivities, as Keane explained: “Any kind of charity is always a good cause and I have got spare time, so why not give back where we can.”
He continued: “My uncle died two years ago from cancer so I know what it is like to lose someone close to you and if this is one way we can try and get rid of it by raising money, then all the better.”
ASDA have raised £29m as they enter their 16th year in support of Tickled Pink.
Preston North End is also big advocators in the fight against prostate cancer as the club teams with the Football League to promote Prostate Cancer UK.
Danny Cronin, the Community Life Champion for ASDA Fulwood was also ecstatic as to how the afternoon had gone.
“This is superb having the guys coming in here today to help raise funds for breast cancer,” said Cronin.
“It is absolutely superb having ASDA working alongside Preston North End, they have helped us before with events and it helps raise awareness of the Tickled Pink breast cancer charity.
“We have a few colleagues who are supporters in store so it is good to see the guys here.”
As part of the initiative, the club were also handing out flyers to promote Saturday’s game with Stevenage, Simon Grayson’s first home game at Deepdale.
A larger than usual walk up crowd is anticipated for North End’s first home game under the new manager, with fans advised to get their tickets in advance, where possible, for the clash with Boro.
The ticket and retail store is open 9am to 5pm on Thursday and 9am until 6pm on Friday, with tickets again on sale on the day of the game from the Sir Tom Finney Stand ticket office from 9am.
You can also buy over the phone during those opening hours (lines shut 90 minutes before kick-off) on 0844 856 1966. You can also buy, without having to go through pages of registrations, online, with just a click by visiting MYPNE.Com.