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Mellissa Dzinzi

Huge Leeds United fan dubbed 'mini Pablito' does 28,000 kick-ups to raise funds for NHS

A Leeds United fan from America has raised $1,825 for the NHS by doing 28,020 kick-ups in six hours.

10-year-old Roman Booker, from Illinois, wanted to do something positive and take action to help people affected by coronavirus.

The fourth-grader, nicknamed mini Pablito after his favourite player Paulo Hernandez, was inspired by Captain Tom Moore and decided to raise money for frontline workers.

He took part in the challenge on May 9 and 10 for three hours on each day.

(David Booker)

On the first day, he managed to do 13,028 but on the second day, the Chicago Sockers FC player smashed his 20,000 kick-ups challenge goal.

Roman has raised £4,000 in total with £1,500 going to the NHS and the rest will be going towards charities in America such as Feeding America and Advocate.org

His dad David, who was born and raised in Wetherby, said Roman wants to play for Leeds United and every day he practises for two or three hours.

His mum Karen added: "He did so well. It's like doing two marathons, for him to get up on Sunday after doing three hours on Saturday and his legs were killing him but he still did it. He went through the different weather conditions.

(David Booker)

"He just kept kicking and pushing through, he smashed his target.

"We are so proud of him."

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