Our New Ambassador Makes Dreams Come True

Leeds United star, Ilia Gruev, made dreams come true for people supported by Community Integrated Care, after surprising two devoted Whites fans with personal visits – celebrating his new role as an Ambassador for our charity.

The Premier League midfielder spent the afternoon with lifelong Leeds United supporters Barry and Leslie, both of whom have learning disabilities and are supported to live independently by our charity. During the visits, Ilia heard their treasured memories of following Leeds across generations and saw firsthand how we support people to lead full, happy and independent lives.

By becoming an Ambassador, Ilia will champion our charity’s mission of enabling people who draw on social care to live their Best Life Possible.

Ilia Gruev said: “Meeting Leslie and Barry was a real reminder of what football means to people. Their love for Leeds United is incredible, and spending time with them was special. I’m proud to become an Ambassador for Community Integrated Care. I want to play my part.”

Ilia has built a powerful bond with Community Integrated Care, having previously delivered two once-in-a-lifetime experiences for people supported by our charity, including special stadium and matchday moments. When he heard about two super-fans facing extra barriers to accessing Leeds United in the community, due to health challenges, he teamed up with the charity to plan a visit they would never forget.

He first visited Barry, a former season ticket holder who is now no longer able to watch the team he loves in person due to health barriers. Ilia listened to Barry’s stories of supporting Leeds over the years and looked through photographs his times cheering on the club, including seeing a brick at Elland Road that proudly bears his name.

He then travelled across the city to visit Leslie, a devoted Leeds supporter who had been due to attend a special meet-and-greet at Elland Road last year, but was sadly admitted to hospital before the event due to poor health. During his recovery, Ilia sent Leslie a get-well video message and a signed shirt – a gesture that gave him real joy at the most difficult of times.

Leslie was truly stunned to see his sporting hero at the door. Proudly inviting him in, they enjoyed quality time together, including looking through Leslie’s cherished Leeds memorabilia and taking part in one of his favourite hobbies, jigsaws, by building a special Leeds United squad jigsaw side by side.

Ilia thoughtfully left Barry and Leslie with signed match-worn boots and a shirt, which are being displayed in their homes at the heart of the Leeds United memorabilia. He also generously purchased them a TV subscription so they could continue to cheer on Leeds United from the comfort of their own homes this year.

John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care, said: “Ilia’s visits meant the world to Leslie and Barry, and their dedicated support teams who worked so hard to help facilitate these surprises. For Ilia to choose to share his time to enable the people we support to stay connected to the passions that bring them the greatest joy truly speaks volumes of his character and passion for the local community.”

“We’re delighted to welcome Ilia as an Ambassador of Community Integrated Care. We know that his influence and inspiration will make a real difference in enabling us to help people lead their Best Life Possible.”