Leeds striker Patrick Bamford donates £5,000 to local school to help with remote learning

Beeston Primary School used the money to buy 20 new iPads for students

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

A primary school in Leeds has thanked Patrick Bamford for “shining a light in these dark times” after the player donated £5,000 to help children access remote learning during lockdown.

Beeston Primary School said they had used the money donated by the Leeds striker to buy 20 new iPads, which they will loan to those “most in need”.

Bethan Tidey, deputy head teacher at the school situated need Leeds United’s Elland Road ground, said: “We are blown away by Patrick’s generosity. 

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“The past year has been incredibly difficult for families, in particular those struggling to access remote learning at home.

Bamford reached out to the school to see how he could help, before making what Tidey called an “incredible” donation.

“[The iPads] will greatly improve the home learning experience for some of our most vulnerable children and will also be a fantastic addition to the school when children are eventually back in classrooms,” she said.

“We want to say a huge thank you to Patrick for shining a light in these dark times, it will not be forgotten.”

Bamford has also issued a video message to the schoolchildren, encouraging them to work hard and focus on their studies.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for learning, skills and employment, said: “This is a very generous gesture by Patrick.

“It’s fantastic to hear about something so positive happening in very challenging times. It makes me incredibly proud to see Leeds continuing to pull together.”

Bamford has scored 10 Premier League goals this season following Leeds’ promotion to the top flight.

He joined the West Yorkshire club in July 2018 from Middlesbrough in a deal worth up to £10million.

PA