'Bogged down' Portsmouth FC 'Ladd' lifted by idols to raise money in lockdown

Kieran Ladd, who lives in Gateshead but is a Fratton Park fanatic, rose to prominence following an article in The News last year when he pounced on a teacher’s computer when his back was turned to check the newly released fixtures.

And now the cheeky nine-year-old, who has been ‘bogged down’ following lockdown, is back making headway after deciding to shake off the blues by running every night to raise money for Pompey in the Community and his local team Washington AFC.

Kieran has already reached his target of £200 and is now on the verge of raising £400 - but now wants to raise £500 by the end of May.

Portsmouth players John Marquis and Cameron McGeehan have donated to his cause - with the former posting a message of support.

‘Well done Kieran. I have donated and hope you reach your target. Great work,’ the Pompey star posted on Twitter.

Kieran’s dad, Ashley, a long-time Pompey fan who used to live in the city, said: ‘(Kieran) was getting bogged down after lockdown.

‘He was like: “What’s the point?” He couldn’t see his friends, he didn’t see any point in doing his school work.

‘But then Kieran saw the Portsmouth players doing things on social media for good causes like delivering food parcels.

‘The players have been brilliant and have really inspired him. After that I saw a big change in his mental state.’

The idea to run a mile every day initially came from Kieran’s football team to keep fit and stay connected, as well as help out the club financially.

But, as ever, Kieran wanted to do his bit for his beloved Pompey.

Ashley said: ‘Even though we live up here Kieran wants to do things to help the club and the community.

‘The message that “we will get through this” from players has lifted his spirits and has inspired his teammates to do the same.’

To donate go to: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kieran-ladd

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