Preston North End and Preston North End Community and Education Trust [PNECET] are once again supporting the Royal Preston Hospital this Christmas with the donation of toys to its children’s ward.
In previous years, the club’s first team squad has traditionally visited those on the children’s ward and handed toys out to them, but like last year, such a visit has not been possible this year because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The pressures of the pandemic have been felt across the hospital, which have impacted the facilities available for children to enjoy during their downtime.
Preston North End and PNECET have purchased a number of toys for the use of the children to allow them to provide some respite amid the difficult individual circumstances the children on the ward continue to face.
PNECET Chief Executive Tom Drake said: “Christmas time can be really challenging for so many people, but it is especially difficult to see children in hardship at this time when it should be one of real enjoyment.
“We hope that by sending toys to the children, courtesy of the club and PNECET, we can bring a smile to their faces this Christmas, particularly while there are many on-going societal difficulties for their families to be facing.
“We’re thankful for the support of the club on this initiative and hope that next year’s visit can be bigger and better and we can bring a return to our first team squad visiting the hospital’s children’s ward, providing it is safe to do so.”
Paula Wilson, Head of Charities at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, added: “Spending Christmas in hospital can be a daunting and difficult experience for both the patient and their loved ones.
“Thank you to Preston North End and Preston North End Community and Education Trust for once again going the extra mile with their annual gift donation. Your unwavering support will bring a smile and extra comfort to our younger patients in hospital this Christmas.”