Leeds United captain thanks Alfie, 10, for fundraising efforts

Leeds United captain Liam Cooper has thanked 10-year-old Alfie Moore after the youngster decided to auction his Premier League 2021 sticker book to raise funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Alfie was left speechless when the centre-back and Scotland international made a surprise appearance on a video call with the club’s official charity partner.

Two of Alfie’s grandparents had cancer and his step-grandad was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and is now recovering after treatment.

After winning a ‘Marching on Cancer. Together’ flag in a competition run by Yorkshire Cancer Research, Alfie saw an opportunity to support the charity through his sticker book, which he’d spent hours completing during the pandemic.

Alfie’s dad Adam said: “I completed sticker books as a child and got Alfie into it. It was a struggle completing the book during the pandemic, with eBay and Facebook groups the only way to communicate with other collectors and posting stickers being the only way to swap. But we managed to complete it, with more than 600 stickers in total.

“Alfie has always wanted to do what he can to help others. He’s very aware of the impact cancer has had on his family and feels strongly about raising funds for research. As Leeds United’s charity partner, Yorkshire Cancer Research was the perfect cause to support.”

During the call, Alfie had the chance to show Liam his sticker book and chat to him about his fundraising.

Alfie said: “I’m really excited to start my fundraising for Yorkshire Cancer Research and I’m very grateful for the support from Leeds United. I know how important it is to be kind and support the charity so they can help people. I was really shocked when Cooper joined the video call. It’s something I will never forget. I’m looking forward to meeting the team and going to my first match.”

Adam added: “Alfie loves everything about Leeds United. Last summer I bought him a junior gold membership so he could go to his first match at Elland Road, but sadly, because of the pandemic, he hasn’t had a chance to go. He was bouncing off the walls after his call with Cooper. It was amazing.”

Alfie’s sticker book has now been signed by Leeds United Captain Liam Cooper. Bids can be placed by visiting the listing on eBay and all funds from the sale of the book will go to Yorkshire Cancer Research.

After hearing about Alfie’s surprise call with Liam Cooper, his school, Ward Green Primary School in Barnsley, has organised a fundraising day in support of Yorkshire Cancer Research. Alfie and his schoolmates have been invited to wear their football kits and make a voluntary £1 donation which will go towards life-saving research.

You can donate to Alfie's JustGiving page here.

Find out more about Leeds United’s partnership with Yorkshire Cancer Research.