Peterborough friends in major fundraiser for football-loving family in Sierra Leone

When Denn Budd, of Peterborough, came across a video of a family playing football in Sierra Leone on Facebook, he felt he simply had to reach out and help.

The family were playing football barefoot, using a bag filled with different items as the ball - and he just couldn't sit back.

Denn said: "They had no shoes. It melted my heart."

Recognising the children were wearing old Leicester City uniforms, the 20-year-old and fellow Leicester City fan Reece Barton, set up a fundraising page with a target of £200.

But within three days, they had already exceeded that and managed to raise £350 in total.

And thanks to everyone's generosity, the pair managed to send several new kits along with footballs, hats, scarves and boots to the family.

Denn said: "Especially as this was during the time of lockdown - it was nice to see a lot of people willing to help,"

Even Leicester City Football Club donated a few kits for the cause - and paid for all the items to be sent over to Sierra Leone.

Although the packages are still en route, the family are constantly in touch with Denn.

"People who don't have a lot of stuff are always the most grateful," Denn added.

MP for Peterborough, Paul Bristow, said: “The generosity that has been shown from residents makes me so proud of Peterborough, from small businesses supporting vulnerable people locally to international projects like this, it is incredible to see us helping one another in these difficult times.”