Four generous Sheffield United fans from Mosborough visited India this winter with a whopping 44 kilos-worth of Blades kits to give to the local children.
Adrian Barlow and his girlfriend Nicola Wraith, along with fellow Blades Patrick Hancock and Joanne Burke travelled around the south of the country for nine weeks handing out United kits to some of the less fortunate children of Mumbai, Goa and Chennai.
Adrian explained: "We went on holiday to India last year and were all struck by the poverty that exists there. We were really touched by the kids we saw running around playing football in rags and we just wanted to do something to help.
"When we booked our plane tickets last year we were allocated 44 kilos of baggage space between us. If you've ever been to India you'd realise that you don't need anywhere near that amount. You can buy clothes out there for £1 a shirt.
"So we had the idea of going back this year and using our baggage space to take as many football kits as possible to give to the kids. Obviously being Blades we were a bit biased as to what kind!
"We asked around on Sheffield forums to see if any Blades fans had some spare kits that we could give to the kids and couldn't believe the response we received. We were completely inundated by Sheffield United fans wanting to help, a lot of them buying brand new shirts for us to take with us!"
Adrian contacted United directly and the club provided them with eleven current full-team shirts to support the donation.
Adrian added: "Sheffield United themselves were also incredibly helpful and supportive. We filled our 44 kilos of baggage allocation in no time thanks to the amazing generosity of the Blades and their fans."
Peter Pridmore, manager of the SUFC superstore, said: "When we heard what Adrian and his friends were planning on doing we were more than happy to help and donated a few shirts to the cause. I think it was an extremely generous and selfless thing to do, I hope the children enjoy the shirts."
The majority of the United kits found their way to the St Joseph's Institute in Goa, a school and football academy for orphaned and underprivileged boys from across the State.
Adrian said: "We gave the shirts to the kids and then took a photo and they started taking the shirts off, they didn't realise they could keep them! It's hard to explain the reaction we got when we gave out the shirts. They were all so proud of them, it really sent a shiver down my spine.
"I'm just so grateful to Sheffield United and all the Blades fans for being so generous and allowing us to experience those emotions. We're going to go back next year and give them all some new boots."
