'Liam Cooper almost made me like Leeds' - Leeds United and fans lead Preston supporter's Boot the Virus campaign

Leeds United and their 'crazy' fans are helping a Preston North End supporter raise thousands for the NHS to say thank you for the times they have saved his life.
LEADER - Leeds United captain Liam Cooper got involved with the Boot the Virus campaign. Pic: Bruce RollinsonLEADER - Leeds United captain Liam Cooper got involved with the Boot the Virus campaign. Pic: Bruce Rollinson
LEADER - Leeds United captain Liam Cooper got involved with the Boot the Virus campaign. Pic: Bruce Rollinson

Kenny Marland and his partner Joanne Dalton live in Halifax but are both diehard Lilywhites.

The coronavirus pandemic has forced them into isolation because Kenny has been going through cancer treatment for the fourth time, ahead of potential surgery at St James's in Leeds.

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His desire to help those who have helped him so many times since his first diagnosis in 2011 was initially frustrated until they came up with Boot the Virus.

The campaign to auction off the boots of professional footballers to raise money for the NHS has quickly earned major backing within the game and Leeds United have been at the forefront.

"We're massive Preston North End fans," said Kenny.

"We go home and away.

"Because of chemo I was in total isolation and we can't help or volunteer in the normal way and when we were banging around ideas it just clicked because football is our passion.

"I put it on Instagram, the rough idea and the Preston captain Tom Clarke said he'd back it, then the club did the official launch and it went from there."

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The Whites were quick to get involved too, led by their own skipper Liam Cooper.

"We were tagging players in things and Liam Cooper was the first one to sign up," said Kenny.

"I got a message on Instagram from the club, checking our credibility and once they knew the EFL and Preston were backing us, they got the entire squad involved.

"They were the first full squad.

"We've got 380 footballers signed up."

The online auctions began on May 1 and to date the top bids total £34,734. Current players from the Premier League to League Two and the Women's Super League have joined ex professionals like former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford in putting up pairs of boots for fans to bid on.

Leeds, of course, have been bidding more.

"Leeds fans are absolutely crazy," said Kenny.

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"We have a leaderboard and they're number one. They went to number one on the first day and have stayed there.

"They've bid almost double the next team.

"We don't really like admitting it as Preston fans but Leeds are a big club, with a huge fanbase and to have them behind us makes the campaign so much bigger."

The Whites auctions have currently attracted a total of £5,695 and a bid of £750 for Kalvin Phillips' footwear is the highest single bid so far.

"It's crazy, how it's gone in general," said Kenny.

"But Liam Cooper almost made me like Leeds, he was great, sending me wellwishes on Instagram before chemo. We've really seen the other side of footballers, they're coming together to help the greater cause."

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The NHS cause has gathered a lot of extra public support in recent weeks and Kenny has more reasons than most to be grateful to the country's health care system.

"This is my fourth time through cancer treatment, I've previously had two liver operations at St James' and 25 radiotherapy treatments," he said.

"A lot of my cancer treatment is over at St James', I'll be there for my scan soon and hopefully my surgery as well.

"They've saved my life multiple times, they always go above and beyond to make sure I get the best treatment, the right treatment.

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"It didn't take COVID for me to appreciate the NHS, my first diagnosis was in 2011, without them I wouldn't be here.

"Whilst the rest of the world is running scared of COVID, they're putting their uniforms on every day and going on the frontline to fight it. It's inspiring."

Boot the Virus have now signed a memorandum of understanding with NHS Charities Together and once the auctions end on May 25 the boots will be gathered and sent out to winners, whose Paypal payments will be transferred on to the charity.

To visit the Leeds United auction site click HERE