On Friday 27 May 2022, four friends from Yorkshire are cycling the distance from Harrogate to Monaco to raise money in memory of their loved ones.
Whilst drivers are preparing for what is widely considered the most prestigious race in the Formula 1 season, the Monaco Grand Prix; Ollie Ward, Joe Braham, Henry Bartle and Jeremy Butterfield are gearing up for their own event this weekend.
They are attempting to cycle 1573km in 24 hours from Harrogate to Monaco, raising money for two charities in memory of two loved ones who were both massive fans of F1.
The cyclists have even received a good luck message from England football manager, Gareth Southgate.
In April of 2020, their beloved friend James Hindmarsh was devastatingly diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS). The following year saw months of gruelling radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment, James fought hard but sadly lost his battle in 2021.
The fundraising started here with his friends raising money to pay for his private treatment which they instead decided to donate to Sarcoma UK, a bone and soft tissue cancer charity. Just weeks later in May last year, Henry, Ollie and Jeremy ran three marathons in three days whilst Joe, who lives in Switzerland, embarked on his own challenge to raise money, a ski tour from Verbier to Mount Fort.
This year, half of the money raised will be donated to Leeds Hospitals Charity, who will allocate it to Leeds Cancer Centre; a centre very close to James’ heart. Jeremy says "The money raised will go towards support and help for others fighting the same fight our best mate did so bravely."
The other half of the money will be donated to The David Brown Foundation in memory of Ollie's Uncle. A thoughtful, caring and kind man who devastatingly lost his battle to Covid-19 in December 2021. David gave his life to others by supporting children's education in the UK and helping students across the district to reach their full potential, and the boys will be following in his footsteps.
As well as Formula 1 both James and David were huge football fans and ahead of the challenge the team received a good luck message from England football manager Gareth Southgate, praising their bravery, courage and urging others to donate all they can.
The boys say "Both James and Dave never gave up in their fights and we will continue their legacies to help others fight the challenges they are facing. Every cycle of the bike erg they will both be with us, probably with a wry smile and a Peroni in hand. They are forever in our hearts."
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.
Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
One of their brand-new locations inside the Victoria Quarter will be opening next Monday 1 June.
Their new kiosk will be located outside Jo Malone London and marks the brand’s third site in Leeds.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
To celebrate the launch, North Star will be giving away 50 free coffees a day from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June - a total of 200 free drinks across the opening week. Customers will be able to claim any coffee from the menu, with one free drink per person available on a first come, first served basis, each day.
Their other new site is expected to be on Great George Street, and we'll keep you updated with any news on that one as and when we know more.
Speaking about the opening, Holly Kragiopoulos, Co-founder of North Star, said: “Opening a third site in the centre of Leeds feels incredibly special for us. Leeds has always been at the heart of North Star, so being able to bring our coffee into Victoria Quarter is a huge milestone.
"We wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the city and welcoming both loyal regulars and new customers with free coffee throughout our opening week.”
Thor’s Tipi chosen as the new operator to create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ Leeds Christmas Market 2026
Clementine Hall
Leeds City Council has appointed Thor's tipi as the new operator of Leeds Christmas Market 2026 on City Square.
We hate to mention the C word in May... especially in the midst of a heatwave, but just bare with us on this one.
The beloved Leeds Christmas Market will have a new operator this year, as creators of pop-up seasonal bars Thor's Tipi have been given the responsibility by Leeds City Council.
So, what's going to be different?
Thor's tipi will create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ retail, craft and food market which celebrates Leeds identity.
Image: Supplied
The market will feature a Yorkshire based line-up, full of popular local names and Leeds street food legends and a series of cabins will also be reserved for local craft businesses and emerging artisans.
Alongside plenty of shopping and eating options, the Christmas Market will become a full-on-festive experience for visitors. There will be winter games and karaoke huts in an Alpine Lodge, the original THOR’S tipi - complete with its signature firepit seating area, free live music from local artists, school choirs & community performances throughout the season.
There will also be a host of family-friendly events, including a ‘Leeds Night Before Christmas’ trail, family raves and free craft tables.
Image: Supplied
Amanda Monaghan, Director of THOR’S tipi, said: "This is our eleventh year in Leeds and we’re super excited to bring the most beautiful Christmas Market to City Square! We’re especially looking forward to speaking with local traders about how we can showcase their talents. Get in touch if you’d like to be involved! We’d love to have you on-board.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, said: "We're delighted that Leeds will be welcoming a Christmas market again this year with a new look and that visitors will once again have the chance to experience the wonders of the festive season at the heart of the city centre.”
“As always, the council is committed to working with partners and providers to bring high quality and exciting events to the city. We know Christmas is always a special time in Leeds, and this year is set to be a memorable one."
Clementine Hall -
25th May 2022 
