Leighton Baines has spread his fair share of Christmas cheer this year, but the Everton left back went above and beyond to take a young fan shopping for toys on Wednesday.

The England defender met Kenzie Appleton earlier in the year, striking a chord with the youngster after numerous visits to Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

And Baines decided to treat the nine-year-old to a shopping trip to Toys R Us this week, buying him a trolly full of toys to hand out to his friends at the hospital on Friday.

Leighton Baines (centre) took young Kenzie Appleton (bottom) on a shopping trip to Toys R Us on Wednesday

Appleton (right) selflessly launched the 'Toy Story Appeal' last Christmas, giving presents to other children

Baines wanted to help Appleton with his appeal, and decided to buy the youngster presents to give out

Kenzie, from St Helens, was diagnosed with a rare bone disease which weakens his thigh bone through low blood supply, and he has been in and out of hospital since he was four years old.

Despite his problems, Kenzie last year launched the 'Toy Story Appeal', an initiative to collect gifts to give to other children who would be spending the festive period on the ward at Alder Hey.

Speaking about the inspirational young boy, Baines said: 'I was really touched by Kenzie's story when I met him.

'What he's doing for other kids is just amazing. For a young man who has gone through such difficult times to not think about himself but want to help other children in similar situations, is incredible.

'So I really just wanted to be able to help him out and make sure he's got lots of toys to hand out to the kids at the hospital before Christmas.'

Baines says he was 'touched by Kenzie's story' when he met him at Alder Hey earlier in the year

Kenzie scans his toys through the till at Toys R Us, with help from Everton and England defender Baines