Leeds United supporters have been reacting on Twitter to a heart-warming video between a super fan and Stuart Dallas.
Adidas and Leeds teamed up to arrange a call between Martin, who has raised over £185,000 for charity, and Northern Ireland international Dallas in order to thank him for his incredible work.
Martin suffers from muscular dystrophy and is losing the ability to walk. He’s slowly transitioning into life in a wheelchair but is determined to keep fighting his illness and continues to show great determination in his battle, something the Elland Road outfit thought he deserved recognition for.
The pandemic has hit Martin hard, and after losing his job in December 2019, the Leeds fan has had to shelter indoors since March last year. In order to thank Martin for his continued support and amazing charity work, Adidas and Leeds came together to gift him a set of kits for his children, a gesture that pleased many fans of the West Yorkshire side.
“Well done lads! Great gesture to an inspirational human who deserves it!”
“Fantastic. Keep up the good work Martin – my respect to you. Fantastic also too Leeds United, Stuart Dallas (and rest of Leeds – player and staff) and Adidas.”
“I have tears in my eyes after watching that, I think it’s fair to say Leeds United have given all supporters a huge lift and a focus in what has been a tough year, best wishes to Martin going forward, stay strong my friend!!”
“Brilliant man and excellent gesture. Thoroughly enjoyed helping raise money for him and this great cause.”
“Club hitting the perfect note there. There’s massive respect in the fan base for you Martin, great to see you getting a boost like that.”
“Fantastic, wonderful, uplifting. Thank you for this, what an inspirational guy. @HywoodMartin hats off to you and keep going”
“Unbelievable – this is what “Marching On Together” truly evokes in a Leeds fan. So proud !!”
“Wow!!! Both amazing!! #mot”
The modern game is often accused of forgetting about the people that make football so great; the fans, but Leeds and Adidas have shown those community ties still exist within the sport, and we wish Martin all the best for the future as he continues to complete outstanding achievements for a very worthy cause.