Leeds football club Saxton FC backs campaign to get star goalkeeper £13,000 bionic 'hero arm'
and live on Freeview channel 276
Wayde Drew, 12, plays for Saxton FC in Richmond Hill, set up three years ago for youngsters in the inner-city community.
He was born without one lower arm and his mum Kirsty Norman said he "always tries his best at everything", but his confidence has taken a knock since starting secondary school.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe family, of Burmantofts, have launched a GoFundMe page with the Open Bionics Foundation, hoping to raise £7,000.
If they meet the target, the charity will match the donation to raise the money needed for the new arm and hand.
“It’ll be absolutely amazing," Kirsty told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
"He’s never been bothered by it but since he started high school he hides it now, he tries to put his sleeve over it or put his arm in his pocket.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"In primary school everyone knew him, he wasn’t any different. But going to high school it’s a new lot of kids and they see Wayde as different, he’s constantly getting asked questions.
“The bionic arm will make a massive difference to his confidence. It’s simple things, like not being able to tie his own shoelaces when he’s just turned 12.”
Wayde joined Saxton FC two years ago and was immediately welcomed into the club, founded by father-of-two Jonny Nixon.
Leeds United Foundation provides a professional coach to train youngsters every week and the club is supported by the Premier League Kicks Programme.
“He feels normal there," Kirsty, 32, added.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"The first day he went down, we were both a bit panicked - he plays in goal so that makes it even harder. He’s a goalkeeper with one arm.
"But all the kids treat him like he’s the same as everybody else, they let him get on with it. He feels like he belongs."
When Jonny heard about the campaign for Wayde's bionic arm, he jumped in to support the youngster.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe club will host a fun day on its pitches and have been promoting the fundraiser on social media.
Jonny said: "He fitted in straight away and he’s never made a thing of it, and none of the other kids have.
"He’s brilliant, a real happy-go-lucky kid and a fantastic goalkeeper.
"From the time that I’ve known him he’s never let it hold him back, but as he’s getting older it’s going to benefit him so much having the working hand."
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdJonny praised Leeds United Foundation which has got behind the fundraiser.
Some of the foundation's coaches will join Wayde's family as they embark on the challenging Leeds to Liverpool bike ride in April.
“Jonny has been brilliant," Kirsty added.
"If it wasn’t for him encouraging us and convincing us we could do it, I think we would’ve given up by now. We’re not well-known and it got to the point where it was overwhelming, we were struggling.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"It's good to know that somebody does want to help us and we have got the support.
“Once we’ve raised the money for Wayde, we’re going to do an annual fundraiser for somebody else who is struggling. There are so many kids that are in the same position or worse off than Wayde."
You can donate to the GoFundMe appeal hereSupport the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.