'She touched the hearts of everyone': Inspiring girls complete challenge in memory of Leeds Utd fan Ella Lynch

A team of inspiring girl footballers in Leeds have completed a relay marathon between them in memory of a Leeds United fan following her “heart breaking” death from cancer.

The Guiseley Juniors’ Under 9s team ran the 26.2 mile distance between them on Sunday (May 18) at their stadium to pay tribute to 10-year-old Ella Lynch, who played against them for Rothwell Juniors FC in the past.

The girls had set a target of raising £300 for the Candlelighters charity, which does incredible work to support cancer patients and their families in Leeds, but have so far raised over £2,500.

The fundraiser was co-organised by Guiseley Juniors’ coache James Cockerham, who said that the day was “really emotional” and “very special”, adding: “It went better than we could have imagined.”

The girls ran in twos and did laps of the pitch while being cheered on by their teammates, with the full marathon distance being completed between them in two hours and 20 minutes. The final lap was completed by all of the girls together, as well as their coaches and parents.

Before setting off the group held a minutes’ applause in memory of Ella. A raffle fundraiser was also held, for which £945 was raised.

Mr Cockerham said that he and fellow coach Matthew Hick wanted to organise something to pay tribute to Ella, saying: “The girls had heard about her passing away but it was more the parents who wanted to mark it because it was so relatable. We felt it quite strongly.”

Among those who were there on Sunday were Ella’s mum Allison Lynch and Leeds United Women’s player Paige Williams, who was Ella’s favourite player.

A talented player herself, Ella was part of the Leeds United Foundation’s Girls Shadow Squad, after impressing on her trial through the Women and Girls Pathway.

After leading the teams out in the pre-season meeting with Doncaster Rovers Belles alongside Paige, the two became close friends.

Paying tribute following Ella’s death, Paige said: “Ella was a breath of fresh air and she touched the hearts of everyone that encountered her. She disguised what she was going through so effortlessly – it was truly inspiring. She was funny, sassy, generous and kind.

“She was independent, loving and talented – definitely a future Lioness. Ella would be the first person the nurses would buddy up with a new patient because she made such scary and worrying times feel okay and normal.

“From the moment I met Ella in hospital something in me just clicked. I feel privileged to have gained a special bond with such a beautiful little girl and she has impacted my life in ways words could never describe.

“I will miss her dearly but I will forever remember her resilience, amazing personality and all her stylish sets of nails. Ella, thank you for changing my outlook on life, making me smile and for touching my heart so deeply. You will have a place in it forever.”

After leading the men’s team out as a mascot alongside Jayden Bogle, in December, Ella and her family were welcomed to Thorp Arch, where she was shown around by club captain Ethan Ampadu.

You can donate to the fundraiser by visiting the Just Giving page.