Micklefield Siblings Brave Cold to Claim Village’s First Slice

A 12-year-old Micklefield youngster and his devoted sister have earned themselves a place in village history after braving freezing temperatures to become the very first customers at the area’s newest pizzeria.

Ellis Horner arrived outside LocaLino Pizzeria on Facebook on Station Houses at 3:45 pm, nearly two hours before its doors officially opened. Determined not to lose his spot at the front of the queue, the youngster came fully prepared for the Yorkshire chill—armed with a folding chair, a warm blanket, and a hot cup of tea which his sister had made him.  

“I wanted to make history, and I was determined I was going to do this,” Ellis said. 

By his side the entire time was his 14-year-old sister, Mollie, who refused to leave her brother’s side as the temperature dropped, keeping him company throughout the long wait. Mollie was second in line, equally eager to try the food and completely supportive of her brother’s goal. 

“I thought he was crazy for sitting out so long,” Mollie admitted. “But I am incredibly proud of him and his determination of wanting to ‘go down in history’.” 

Their patience and enthusiasm quickly won over the pizzeria’s team. To celebrate Ellis becoming their inaugural customer, owners Pasquale Palmisano and Ann Marie Broadhead-Palmisano presented him with an official commemorative certificate alongside a celebratory prize of a free pizza, soft drink, and dessert.  

The launch also marked the beginning of a major charitable campaign for the venue. Ann Marie, a former volunteer and trustee for the Leeds-based homelessness charity St George’s Crypt, has pledged alongside Pasquale to donate 10% of the selling price of every single pizza sold during their first full year of trading to support the charity’s vital work. Local customers looking to grab a slice can check out the full feature on the East Side Story Article Link. Direct contribution to the cause can also be made through the St George’s Crypt Official Donation Page.    

A History of Determination 

For those who know the Horner family around the village, Ellis’s drive and Mollie’s loyalty come as little surprise. 

Ellis was born with a dysplastic kidney and a ureterocoele, which required three major operations and the removal of a kidney before he was just 18 months old. 

“I think this is where he gets his determination from,” his mum, Kerry, said. “Ellis has always been determined in life, and once he saw the pizza shop competition, he knew he wanted to be first.” 

Mollie also highlighted her brother’s resilience, adding how strong and determined he remains after everything he has been through in his life. 

That lifelong determination extends onto the football pitch. As a lifelong Leeds United fanatic, Ellis was initially told he could not play football because it is a contact sport. 

“From the minute he could walk and talk, he was a Leeds fanatic,” Kerry said. “But once we found the Leeds United Foundation Pan-Disability team, Ellis knew that this was for him.” 

The programme provides inclusive sporting opportunities for young people who face health challenges that prevent them from playing mainstream football. Those interested can find more details or register for sessions through the official Leeds United Foundation Pan Disability Programme Page. Ellis flourished quickly, often playing in older age ranges because he was deemed too advanced for his own group. 

His hard work, skill, and positive attitude led to him winning the Excellence in Football Award at the Foundation’s 2025. Supporting Our City Awards, where he was presented his award by first-team player Brenden Aaronson. Today, he continues to give back to the sport by helping coaches run sessions for younger children. Readers can learn more about his incredible journey on the pitch by reading the Leeds United official feature on Ellis Horner. 

A Family Built on Dedication and Care

Mollie is equally celebrated in the community for her own resilience and selflessness. In 2022, the family tragically lost Kerry’s father – Ellis and Mollie’s grandad- to cancer at the age of 54.

Even before that loss, during the COVID-19 pandemic, an 8-year-old Mollie decided to act. She began making and selling face masks to raise money for charity, with a 6-year-old Ellis stepping up to help her.

Mollie then took her fundraising a step further, walking 20 miles in the geographic shape of an ‘M’ in honour of her grandad, accompanied by her dad, Kevin. Her incredible efforts were formally recognised when she was nominated for, and won, a prestigious ‘Big Thank You’ Award from the Macmillan Cancer Support Official Website.

Those inspired by Mollie’s journey can also choose to support the cause directly via the online portal to Donate to Macmillan Cancer Support.

“Mollie knew how much it meant for Ellis to win, and she didn’t leave his side the whole time,” Kerry said of the wait outside the pizzeria.

Whether braving sub-zero temperatures together, overcoming early medical hurdles, supporting vital local and national causes, or shining on the football pitch, Ellis and Mollie have proven once again that dedication and family loyalty run deep in Micklefield.