Leeds mum helps raise £25k for football club after sudden death of young son

A Leeds mum whose six-year-old son died suddenly last year has raised thousands of pounds for the football club he loved.

Lucy Kuc, from Roundhay, is raising money to support North East Leeds Football Club to continue the legacy of her son Max, who died last December after previously surviving cancer and a liver transplant as a baby.

The Roundhay mum is taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks on Saturday September 5 to help Max’s football club fund a new permanent home and 3G football pitch.

So far, Lucy, alongside a team of 40 other women over the age of 40, have raised over £25,000 in memory of Max.

Lucy said: "Losing Max so suddenly is something I can’t process. No parent should ever have to go through what we are facing, but we wanted to find a way to make sure his memory lives on in something positive,” Lucy said.

“It’s something that’s keeping me focused and channelling my grief into something that can make a real difference to kids like Max, who would’ve loved nothing more than his own football pitch.”

As football meant so much to Max during his lifetime, Lucy hopes the money will give hundreds of other children access to a safe and high-quality space to play sport.

Despite facing cancer at a young age and undergoing a liver transplant, Max never lost his love of football and he’s remembered for his love of the game, alongside his infectious smile and determination.

Lucy said: "Football brought Max so much happiness. These grounds will give hundreds of children somewhere to play, make friends and create memories of their own. That's exactly what Max would have wanted."

The challenge will see dozens of women of varying fitness levels climb Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough in just 12 hours.

The group have set an ultimate goal of £400,000 to honour Max’s legacy.

"Every donation, no matter how big or small, brings us one step closer to creating something truly special in Max's name,” Lucy said.

“We can't bring him back, but we can make sure his kindness, his spirit and his love of football continue to make a difference.

Six-year-old Max first joined North East Leeds FC in 2023 and he found both friendship and a love of football through the club.

Now, North East Leeds FC are supporting Lucy’s fundraising mission to honour the young player.

Steve Waide, Chairman at North East Leeds FC, said: “Max Kuc represented everything that makes grassroots football so special, and he made such an impact in such a short time.

“Everyone at the club is determined to raise the funds and get our forever home, the most fitting tribute to our forever number 11.”

To support Lucy’s Yorkshire Three Peak challenge, visit their online Crowdfunder.