Yorkshire Evening Post – February 22
Harry Potter star visits Leeds community project
LEEDS-BORN actor Matthew Lewis worked up a sweat at a community project in Leeds.
Matthew, who is famous for playing Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films, paid a visit to an exercise class at Armley Helping Hands to see how funding from Sport Relief has helped to support the cause.
The famous face is now urging Leeds people to sign up for the Sport Relief Games to raise money and help similar projects across the city, and the UK.
Matthew said: “I was keen to visit Armley Helping Hands as I’d read about the fantastic work it does to help older people to live independently within the local community.
“After visiting here today and seeing what an impact money raised through Sport Relief can have I’d like to urge the people of Leeds to sign up to the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games.
“The people here are so inspiring.
“I hope seeing them getting active encourages everyone to get involved.
“The money you raise will change lives in your local community, across the UK and around the world.”
During his visit, the 24-year-old joined older people in the exercise class at the centre, which is part of a health and wellbeing course.
He also met several older people who have received vital support from the project.
The Reconnect Community Project, which is run by Armley Helping Hands, supports older people to take up hobbies and get more involved in the local community.
Lauren Firth is currently on an apprenticeship funded by money raised through Sport Relief.
She said: “Matthew’s visit was fantastic.
“It was so exciting for everyone here.
“It was great that he could experience for himself what we do here at the project and the difference we make.”
She added: “I’d like to encourage everyone in Leeds to sign up for the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games.”
The first ever Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games will take place from Friday, March 21, to Sunday, March 23.
Three massive fundraising events will be held throughout the jam-packed weekend for participants to choose from – the Mile, the Swimathon and the Cycle.
For more information about local Sport Relief events, how to join in with the fun and games, raise cash and help to change lives, you find out more by visiting the website at www.sportrelief.com.