South Leeds football clubs donate £750 of Easter eggs to children in Leeds Children's Hospital

Due to coronavirus, Leeds Hospitals Charity has been unable to invite the public to drop off donations at hospitals in its annual appeal.

But thanks to the generosity of community groups and local businesses, every child at Leeds Children's Hospital will still get an Easter egg and extra treats.

Paul McMullen is staying in hospital with his two-year-old son Kasper, who is receiving chemotherapy to treat a brain tumour.

After hearing about the appeal, Paul sent a message into a WhatsApp group with three football teams - Main Line Social, Wortley Boys and Beeston St Anthony's.

Within 20 minutes, the teams had raised more than £600 for Easter eggs.

The teams bought hundreds of Easter eggs with a grand total of £750, which have been dropped off and kept in isolation until it is safe to distribute them to children - many of whom are away from their families.

Paul said: "It was all out of their own pockets - I didn't ask anyone for the money, I just mentioned it in passing.

"Unfortunately families can't bring down Easter eggs this year. For all the kids and and teenagers to get an Easter egg will be amazing for them.

Paul Watkins, director of fundraising at Leeds Hospitals Charity said, “Many children will be spending the Easter holidays in hospital away from their families, which is why we’re so grateful to our wonderful supporters, community groups and local businesses for helping us make Easter as special as possible for young patients.

"Due to coronavirus we haven’t been able to invite the public into the hospital to make donations as we usually would.

"Thanks to businesses and amazing people like Paul who have gone above and beyond, every child at Leeds Children’s Hospital will receive an Easter egg and some special treats which will really help brighten their day."

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