Adam Sandler plays Santa

Dec 28, 2006, 12:00 GMT

Adam Sandler donated gifts to young cancer sufferers in his home state of New Hampshire this Christmas.

The 'Wedding Singer' star had a PlayStation 3 with all the latest games, autographed DVDs and a 'Longest Yard' poster delivered to 15-year-old Stephanie Hudon and her 18-year-old brother, Kevin, at their Manchester home in New Hampshire.

Stephanie has bone cancer that recently spread to her lungs and is due to undergo surgery on January 8.

Kevin was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in November and is receiving chemotherapy treatment.

Stephanie said: "I just wanted to say 'thank you' and my family thanks you."

Manchester Memorial High School teacher Christine Monahan said: "We have been organising fundraising for the Hudon family and we were delighted when Adam Sandler sent the gifts last week."

It is not the first time the 40-year-old actor has shown his community spirit in the state where he spent his childhood. As a seven-year-old Sandler sang 'The Candy Man' for the patients at a Manchester nursing home and he has twice revisited his old school, Manchester Central High School, to address the pupils since becoming a Hollywood star.

In 2003 he advised graduates to, "Fill your life with fun", and in 2004 he told them, "Congratulations. As of today, you no longer have to eat your lunch in the school cafeteria!"

Isabel Pellerin, who taught the 'Big Daddy' actor between 1980 and 1984 told US People magazine: "You've seen his movies? That's the way he was here.

"I can't believe he's making all that money for things he was being punished for here. I thought he would grow up. Instead he grew rich."

(C) BANG Media International