School-boy's charity head-shave to help hospitals and NHS staff in Leeds

Jude Ashton, aged ten, wanted to do something to help the NHS frontline staff in their fight against coronavirus so raised sponsor money to shave his head.

The money has been donated to the charity Leeds Cares, to support NHS staff in Leeds who regularly help Jude’s mum Ellen who has Lupus, a long-term auto immune disease.

Ellen is classed as high risk so the whole family are currently isolating but wanted to give something back.

She said: "We’re so proud of Jude. As Leeds residents, our family feel it is right to give back. We’re forever grateful to the NHS teams who are putting themselves at risk to care and treat others during the current pandemic. On a personal level, I draw on the services of the NHS on a frequent basis and can’t fault the care and support that I receive. So, we wanted to give something back and say, ‘thank you’ in some small way.

“We should all look to support our local hospitals. Like many, we are aware that resources and funding are stretched, so fundraising is a must in the current climate. And if everyone does their bit, the total of those small parts, soon adds up."

Factfile

Leeds Cares is the official charity partner of Leeds Teaching Hospitals.

It supports NHS staff to deliver the best care for patients and their families, by raising funds for equipment, services, education and research.

Leeds Cares works collaboratively with all of the hospitals across Leeds (including Leeds Cancer Centre, Leeds Children’s Hospital, St James’ University Hospital and Leeds General Infirmary) to identify charitable projects and causes.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. These are challenging times but the team at the Yorkshire Evening Post need your support more than ever in the weeks ahead.

While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you - wherever possible and providing it is safe for you to do so - to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Inevitably falling advertising revenues will start to have an impact on local newspapers and the way we continue to work during this period of uncertainty. So the support of our readers has never been more important as we try to make sure that we keep you connected with the city you live in during this time. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. We need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Our team of trusted reporters are working incredibly hard behind the scenes - from kitchen tables and spare bedrooms - to look at how we can do this and your continued support to the YEP will help to protect its viability in the days and weeks ahead.

For more details on our subscription offers please visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk/YEP, email [email protected] or call us on 0330 4033004.

Thank you

Laura Collins

Editor