Leeds United legend and well-known presenter Chris Kamara has been honoured with the Freedom of Wakefield Award for his years of charity work.
The former footballer turned beloved broadcaster, who even your nan will remember for his iconic "I don't know, Jeff" moment live on Sky Sports, has touched the hearts of millions across the country through his personal struggles.
Best known to the British public simply as 'Kammy', the pundit who regularly reported live on Soccer Saturday for 24 years was sadly forced into stepping away from his role after being diagnosed with apraxia.
The neurological disorder affects the body's ability to perform natural motor functions including speech and the 66-year-old sportscaster has been raising money for the cause ever since.
Kammy helped The Whites win the second division title back in the 1989/90 season.
However, Kammy's charity work extends far beyond apraxia awareness, as he's also been a devoted Marie Curie fundraiser and ambassador for the English football charity, Show Racism the Red Card.
As a result, he was officially presented with the Freedom of Wakefield this week, a regional accolade seen throughout many cities and towns across the UK which recognises eminent services and inspiring achievements to a place and its people.
Although he was originally born in Middlesborough, Kamara has lived in the Yorkshire city since 1990. Dedicated to the award back to the locals, he told Wakefield Council: "The people and the places are amazing, and we will never leave.
"All my family are here and it will always be our home. That is why this means so much to me, I'm blown away by it."
Reacting to the reception he got when walking out on the pitch at Elland Road on Tuesday night, his response was perfect: "Unbelievable! I have to say dreams do come true.
"When I played in this stadium for Leeds United, it made my boyhood dreams come true. Who would've thought 33 years later you would give me a reception like this? Thank you all so much."
Recognising the community hero who already received an MBE in 2023 for his service to charity, football and racism in an official statement, the Council continued to heap praise on the household name.
The Mayor of Wakefield Josie Pritchard said of Kammy: "Chris is a local and national legend and an inspiration to so many people. We are absolutely delighted to be giving him the highest honour we can bestow – Freedom of the City.
“He has been a massive supporter of many charities, raising millions and making a difference to the lives of many. Locally, he is an active supporter of Wakefield Hospice, Andy’s Man Club and Pinderfields Hospital, to name but a few."
Council Leader Denise Jeffery went on to add, “Chris is a true ambassador of our city, loved by everyone you speak to. We couldn’t ask for a more down-to-earth and genuine person to award this to. His contribution to charity and our city really is - unbelievable."
Featured Images — Chris Kamara (via X)/Sky Sports
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Get Baked’s viral ‘Bertha’ cake has a sister on the way – and she sounds just as cheeky
She's big, she's green and she's ready to ruin your figure.
A lot of you will have seen the viral ‘Bertha’ cake by Leeds born beloved sweet treat specialists Get Baked.
They recently opened another site in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where queues literally formed round the block of hungry punters wanting to get their hands on the infamous sugary treats.
And now it's going to happen all over again, as they've recently unveiled their newest flavour which is sure to go down a storm.
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a current food and drink trend that’s about as big as Bertha herself – it’s not matcha, it’s not hot honey (duh), and it’s not Guinness…
Images: Get Baked
Yes—scratch that; HELL YES!Get Baked is set to welcome Bertha’s equally beautiful twin sister, and she’s officially a pistachio girlie.
Having started out life simply as ‘Bruce’, after taking inspiration from the iconic scene from Matilda, this thing has become a phenomenon in its own right, and who doesn’t like more flavours of a good thing?
Probably one of the biggest foodie crazes going at the minute, thanks to the popularity of pistachio cream, cookies, lattes and the similar social media sensation that is the ‘Dubai Pistachio Bar' people are rather fittingly going nuts for this particular flavour of almost absolutely anything.
With that in mind, the Leeds-born bakery and dessert shop – founded by Rich Myers over in Headingley back in 2011 – have shown no hesitation in hopping on the bandwagon and creating a new twist on their own viral menu item.
Teasing the full details in a post on their Instagram this week, they wrote: “What’s big, green, and is going to destroy your life in a couple of weeks’ time? Pistachio Bertha. Strictly limited to 5,000 slices. Coming oh so soon. GB.”
In case you were wondering just how mad those with a sweet tooth could possibly go for a slice of cake, just look at the recent queues when they finally launched in Manchester city centre:
Speaking on the grand opening here on our turf and his partner Amy’s hometown, Myers said simply: “Manchester, what a launch. Thanks for much for the warm welcome. Stay baked.”
Leeds Tattoo Expo to return to the First Direct Arena for 10th anniversary
Clementine Hall
The tenth annual Leeds Tattoo Expo will showcase some of the best in tattooing both local and internationally.
If you fancy getting yourself a fancy new bit of ink, then look no further than the iconic Leeds Tattoo Expo that will be returning to the First Direct Arena this June.
Taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June 2025, over 200 tattooists and 70 traders will be flocking to the city to show off their skills.
And not only that, but there’ll also be a whole host of market traders for you to browse as well as live music to have a boogie to.
The artists will be tattooing with options for both pre-booked appointments and walk ups available throughout the weekend.
Image: Leeds Tattoo Expo
There will also be a piercer, tooth gems and a henna artist ready to adorn your body.
Alongside getting tattooed, there’s plenty to do and to see over the whole weekend; there'll be an alternative drawing class, an illustrators market with kids’ workshops provided by Art Gecko, an art fusion event on the main stage, burlesque performances and competitions, a small vintage clothing pop-up, fire breathing and break dancing demonstrations in the square outside the arena.
The annual tattoo competitions will also be taking place each evening, where tattooists showcase their work to a panel of judges, sponsored by Killer Ink!
To celebrate Leeds Tattoo Expo's tenth anniversary, they'll be hosting a Pre-Party at Belgrave Music Hall on Thursday 5 June which is a completely free entry event complete with live music and free pizza.
You can find out more about the event and book your tickets here via the First Direct Arena's website.
Danny Jones -
17th April 2024 
