Earlier in the season a young supporter called Jude Hawkridge played the special role as virtual mascot for our clash against Newcastle United at Elland Road.

At just seven years of age Jude and his family were dealt the devastating news that he had leukaemia, a form of blood cancer. The young Leeds United fan was undergoing a second round of treatment at Sheffield Children’s Hospital during the virtual mascot experience, after being invited by club captain Liam Cooper who had grown close with the family through his very own LC6 Academy.

Jude was due to begin football training with the LC6 Academy in 2020 but due to his diagnosis in February he was unable to do so and if there is one thing that Jude loves more than anything else it is football and Leeds United.

Following the experience, a family friend Dan Fenwick wrote a book about Jude which tells a tale of him playing for his favourite team Leeds United and leading them to winning the FA Cup. All funds raised from the sales of the book will be donated to Sheffield Children’s Hospital, the place that helped Jude to battle against his cancer diagnosis.

This is a children’s story but the deeper meaning is that it is all about Jude and his journey, with the youngster going through more than most at such a young age and overcoming Leukaemia.

The author Dan Fenwick said: “I am so happy that I have been able to create this piece of work about this remarkable young man and his horrible battle with cancer.

“I have known Jude for quite a few years now and he has always been a great lad! It was a privilege that the family allowed me to create this, to raise money for charity.  The support from Leeds United and their fans has been incredible.”

The book is now available to buy via the friends and family/personal option on PayPal at the following link: https://www.paypal.me/bookforjude. The book is priced at just £7 and when you are paying on PayPal please include your delivery details in the notes section.