By John Baron
A Leeds United fan who has followed the team for 50 years is about to watch her first game at Elland Road, thanks to her selfless voluntary work at a Bramley food bank.
Pat Whitley is one of four stalwart volunteers at the lifeline Bramley Care Bears’ food bank, which runs at Broadlea Community Centre. All four have received free tickets to watch a Leeds United home game next month thanks to the efforts of Bramley & Stanningley Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe, who asked the club if they could donate some tickets.
Pat, 66, said she will be fulfilling a lifelong dream. “I’m chuffed to bits! It really is a dream come true. I’ve been following Leeds since I was at school and I’ve never been to Elland Road. I’m really excited and so chuffed.
“Tom also helps at the food bank and is a Leeds fan and all we talk about is football. I’m looking forward to wearing my Leeds t-shirt and my scarf – I can’t believe it. Last season was heartbreaking when we got relegated from the Premier League, but this season we are doing well.
“I’d like to thank Tom and Leeds United for the tickets, I really appreciate what they have done and couldn’t believe it when Tom told me where I was going!”
Cllr Hinchcliffe said Pat volunteers at the food bank every week and helps support some of the area’s most vulnerable residents.
“She mentioned to me a few months ago that she’s a huge Leeds United fan but has never been able to get to Elland Road,” he added.
“It stuck with me for a while because everyone should be able to watch their favourite football team! I’m so pleased I’ve been able to secure tickets for her and some of the other volunteers at an upcoming game at Elland Road. Pat and all the volunteers at Bramley Care Bears deserve it.
“Thank you to Leeds United for helping to arrange this.”
The food bank sessions run at Broadlea Community Centre every Friday and Sunday from 11am-12pm. Call 07805 225 270 to book a time slot. Bramley Care Bears is a volunteer-led group which carries out a number of activities across the Bramley area.
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I have known Pat a long time now, she totally deserves this ticket, hoping that they will give her dinner at the club also.
Pat has done charity work for many many years and is an absolute diamond for Bramley residents. She is selfless, kind, caring, and loving.
Well done Pat, you are an amazing person who has overcome so many struggles in her life. Xx
She sounds such a tonic and a contrast to the keyboard warriors that inhabit websites such as this. Well done to all.