Leeds United fan launches 'kits for kids' with 40 shirts donated in honour of dad

Samuel Best, 26, said he had the heartfelt idea when he was sat having a drink on Friday night.

Samuel, from Roundhay, said he realised he was in a lucky position to be able to buy Leeds United fans kits, who would otherwise not be in a position to own one.

He told the Yorkshire Evening Post that he knew how much owning a kit would have meant to him as a child.

Samuel tragically lost his dad aged just nine years old.

His dad 'got him into Leeds' and never had a kit as a child as his mum struggled 'to get by'.

However, thoughtful Samuel posted on Twitter offering to buy a few kits for those unable to afford their own.

He put: "As a Leeds fan, I know what it means to own a kit.

"If anyone is unable to buy a kit for their kids, please DM me and I will try and sort it for you, as many of them as I can. We're all Leeds aren't we."

Samuel saw a huge response to the post.

Since then, more than 40 shirts have been bought and donated by fellow Leeds United fans and given to youngsters across the city.

Samuel told the Yorkshire Evening Post the response had been amazing.

He said: "The idea just kind of popped into my head on Friday night when i was having a drink with my Mrs and Brother.

"I realised I was in a lucky position to be able to do this and that there were loads of kids who wouldn't be able to get kits as their parents were struggling or not around anymore.

"This particularly stuck with me since I lost my dad when I was nine who got me into Leeds and so I never really had any of the kits to own as my mum struggled to get us by."

Samuel said some of the kits had gone to youngsters courageously battling illnesses or in unfortunate positions.

He added: "In terms of who has received the kits, we have taken it on good faith that those who have made requests have been people in need and so have distributed to everyone we can and will continue to do so.

"There is an amazingly strong little girl who has had open heart surgery last year and her shirt is winging its way to her, there is also a little boy who was diagnosed with leukemia who will also be receiving a shirt.

"That little lad is getting the away kit as his size is sold out of home and I felt he was a special case.

"The response has been absolutely overwhelming.

"Around 40 or more shirts have been sent out already, with at least 35 of those having been purchased and ordered by fellow fans who wanted to donate and help out.

"In all honesty it has been one of the nicest and best things I have ever been involved in and the outpouring of love and care from the fanbase has been amazing to see."

To get involved, message or follow Samuel on Twitter @Strombo94

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Thank you

Laura Collins