Halifax starlet boosts Manchester United team's fund-raiser

Like many footballers, 11-year-old striker Porsha Hoyland-Lau has been working hard to maintain her training and motivation during recent weeks but her team have come up with an ingenious way of staying fit and also raising money for charity.

Manchester United Regional Talent Club's Head of Girls Football, Emma Fletcher has been diagnosed with Huntington's disease, a life limiting condition affecting brain function, and the Reds' U11s side have decided to support the HDA - Huntington's Disease Association, a charity that helps fund research and supports patients and their families providing essential care.

The 14 starlets have embarked on a virtual challenge in which they are aiming to cover more than 200 miles, the distance between each of their homes, by cycling, running or walking a minimum of 15 miles each.

And former Beacon Rangers player Porsha has already taken up the challenge, according to mum Emma, who said: "The girls started on Monday and it looks like they will end up doing more than the 15 miles each.

"All the girls are really good friends and Emma Fletcher is trying to complete a run with each of the players to support them."

The Withinfields Primary School student is moving to North Halifax Grammar in September and she is also looking forward to kicking-off her third season with Manchester United.

Her mum said: "Porsha has continued to train during lockdown, doing video training classes each day and going on runs.

"She loves it at Manchester United and her ambition is to play for the club's first team one day."

The original fund-raising target was £250 but that has already been surpassed and they have now amassed more than £2,000. To visit their fund-raising page visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mugirls-u11