SAINTS have joined forces with the team at St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust in a call to the public to help beat coronavirus.

Head Coach Kristian Woolf, captain James Roby, and Jonny Lomax have recorded a series of short films to be released on Whiston and St Helens Hospitals’ social media channels over the coming days.

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It comes as the borough moves into its second week of Tier 3 lockdown restrictions and cases of the deadly virus continue to increase rapidly in the area.

In one film, coach Kristian says: “It’s been seven months since our fans came to the game, and we want you back.

"But if covid cases keep rising in St Helens, we’ll be waiting even longer. So let’s all pull together, work as a team and follow the rules.”

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In a second film Kristian talks of the character of the local community and how we can fight this by sticking together.

He says: “St Helens people are strong and proud. We stick together, look after each other, and we never give up.

"As covid grips our community, we must all play our part, because we are not fair game and we will not be beaten by this virus.”

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James Roby, Saints' captain, pleads with the St Helens community to back their local NHS team.

He says: “Just down the road at our local hospitals, another team need your support. Team STHK are fighting for people in the borough

Jonny Lomax continues: “So get behind them, clean your hands, wear a mask and stay 2 metres apart.”

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Each film ends with the hashtag #MakeStHelensProud as the rugby league stars call for a community effort to fight the covid pandemic.

To date, 254 people have died at Whiston Hospital, with hundreds more treated for the serious effects of covid since the pandemic reached the area in March.

As the second wave takes hold, and the NHS once more comes under increasing pressure, the stars of sport and the stars of the NHS need your help to bring the virus under control.

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Ann Marr, chief executive of the hospitals, added: “We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Saints.

"Throughout the pandemic they have been in touch with the Trust offering their help in any way they can to support our staff.

"They have kindly given their time to help us appeal to our local community and remind everyone of the importance of following the local guidelines.

"The sooner we have this virus under control, the sooner we can get back in those stands to cheer the team on and show them the same support they have shown us.”