Leeds United have given another brave young supporter an unforgettable virtual matchday experience ahead of their clash against Newcastle United.
Eight-year-old fan Jude Hawkridge is currently receiving treatment for leukaemia at Sheffield Children’s Hospital but was able to join Whites skipper Liam Cooper when he led the team out via an video call on an iPad.
Leeds were the first Premier League side to utilise a 'virtual mascot' when Cooper used an iPad to bring young fan Elliot Metcalfe out with him ahead of last month's match against Arsenal.
Jude, who's father ran a half-marathon every day for a month in order to raise money for charity earlier this year, was present both on the Ipad and on the big scree at Elland Road, with Cooper and his Leeds team-mates all giving the young fan a wave ahead of the clash against the Magpies.
With fans still locked out of Elland Road given the city of Leeds' Tier 3 coronavirus status, Leeds have been unable to utilise mascots in the traditional sense, but their efforts to give young supporters who are battling cancer a lift have been rightly commended by fans on social media.
