It was a special night under the floodlights at Elland Road on Wednesday evening, with a 5-2 win over fellow Premier League side Newcastle United and the chance to welcome our very special virtual mascot.

Jude Hawkridge is just 8 years old and earlier this year he and his family were dealt the devastating news that he had leukaemia, a form of blood cancer. The young Leeds United mad supporter is now undergoing a second round of treatment at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, where he was able to enjoy the experience of being the club’s only mascot for the evening, even if it was virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jude was due to begin football training with Liam Cooper’s very own LC6 Academy this year but due to his diagnosis in February has been unable to do so. Our captain has stayed in contact with the family ever since though, sending him a signed shirt and inviting Jude to join him on the pitch during the festive period.

It was an honour to have Jude as the club’s lucky mascot for the fixture, alongside his mum Joanne, and everyone at Leeds United wishes him and his family the best of luck with his ongoing treatment, we are all behind him. Keep fighting, Jude.