Leicester City FC helped bring some Christmas cheer to young people going through difficult times.

The Beacon Unit provides 24 hour care for up to 15 teenagers with some of the highest mental health needs across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Former Foxes player and goodwill ambassador Matt Elliott played Santa by delivering five sacks of presents to the unit, assisted by engagement executive Jamie Brewin.

The Beacon’s patients drew up a wish list, under the supervision of staff.

Kay Quilter, a teacher at the unit, said: “The patients and staff at the Beacon are incredibly touched and grateful for the kind gesture by Leicester City FC.

“Christmas can be quite difficult for the patients, so something like this really lifts the spirits.”

The initiative is part of the wider Raising a Smile for Christmas appeal that Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s (LPT) charity Raising Health launches each year to provide Christmas gifts to all our inpatients across 37 inpatients wards at our mental health units and community hospitals.

One of the patients said in a letter: “I feel very grateful and excited to open the presents on Christmas Day and it will make it very special.

“I think it’s wonderful that a football team and Raising Health have been so thoughtful and donated so much.”

Another said: “Thank you for taking the time to come and visit The Beacon. It was fantastic that you were able to use your funds to spend on us. We all really appreciate it. It means a lot to all of us young people who have to be here over Christmas. We are all very excited and looking forward to opening the gifts and to see what we get.”

Sam Leak, one of LPT’s executive directors, said: “The club has supported LPT and its charity for several years with significant financial contributions, regular gifts towards the Beacon Unit, and visits from club mascot Filbert Fox. We are very grateful for the difference this makes to our patients, visitors and staff.”

CAPTION: Jamie Brewin (far left) and Matt Elliott (far right) from LCFC deliver presents to grateful Beacon Unit staff.