Father and Son Lead the Way as Leeds United Foundation Abseil Raises £18,000 | OneFootball

Earlier this year, 72 brave fundraisers stepped over the edge of the iconic Elland Road stadium to experience breathtaking views and the thrill of abseiling down the home of Leeds United. Together, they raised an amazing £18,000 to support the club’s official charity and its life-changing work across the region.

Lifelong Leeds United supporter Ian Dawkins and his son Charlie were among the first to celebrate their success by collecting their prize, a special tour of the club’s training ground, after taking part in the abseil challenge at Elland Road. The pair, who follow the Whites home and away, marked their incredible achievement in style, recognising their dedication and fundraising efforts for the Leeds United Foundation.

For just £25, participants secured their place and committed to raising a minimum of £175 in sponsorship. Every penny goes towards creating opportunities and helping those who need it most through Foundation programmes focused on education, sport, and healthier lifestyles.

The Foundation’s own Rachel Newman was among the top fundraisers on the day. Her efforts have already made a tangible impact, funding experiences for some of the charity’s key community groups. Thanks to Rachel’s support, The Corner Flag Café enjoyed a dementia-friendly performance of Through It All Together and took a reflective trip to the Arboretum to pay their respects, and The Walking Football group travelled to Burnley for an away fixture, creating memories and friendships beyond the pitch.

Events like this highlight the incredible power of football to bring people together and make a difference. Every abseiler, sponsor, and supporter played a part in helping the Leeds United Foundation continue its mission to enhance lives across Yorkshire and beyond.

Want to get involved next time? Keep an eye on the Leeds United Foundation’s future fundraising challenges and join the team in making a real impact in your community.