Leeds' clubbers have rallied around a beloved bouncer following news of his terminal cancer diagnosis.
Revellers and hospitality workers were shocked to hear the news of hospitality legend Salahuddin Sharif's diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer.
Friends and family moved quickly to rally around him, with one creating a gofundme fundraiser to support his final wish - to visit his brother in America before he passes away.
The page was set up Jodie Osakwe, a general manager at Individual Restaurants, and has already raised over £5,000.
The fundraiser reads: "Our beautiful friend Sharif, a true gentleman, Leeds hospitality legend and our head doorman of 20 years has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
"We are still all in shock and still can’t believe it.It has been truly amazing to watch all Sharif’s family & friends come together at this difficult time to ensure he has all the support and care he deserves.
"Sharif would really love to be able to visit his brother’s family in Tampa Florida and Jodie Osakwe has therefore decided to create this page to see if together we can fundraise this money to give him this opportunity while we can.
"We would need to ensure he is travelling first class to make sure he is comfortable, and his care needs are being met on this long flight.
"I know Sharif is loved by many in Leeds, whose lives he has touched with his infectious smile and warm greeting. Any money raised that is surplus to this initial goal will be given to his family.Thank you in advance to everyone who donates, no matter how small.
"Let’s show Sharif just how much respect we all have for this amazing guy."
Since being set up last month, the fundraiser has been shared many times on social media including on Leeds' Mint Festival Facebook page.
Donations have been pouring in, large and small, with the fundraiser now just over a third of the way towards its £15,000 goal.
And comments of solidarity have also been coming in thick and fast from those who've met and come to love him as an iconic part of the Leeds' nightclub scene over the years.
Gerald Acheampong, who donated £100 to the fundraiser, said: "There are very few like this man. He is a gentleman in the truest meaning of that word . Please give what you can if you can."
Whilst Filip Wron, donating £10, added: "Sharif is Leeds legend and all clubbers than know him should help! Sending Love to Sharif and family!"
If you'd like to donate to the fundraiser to help Sharif get to America, you can do so here.
News
Inside Leeds’ newest cocktail bar inspired by 1970s Hollywood and Japanese listening bars
If you're a fan of a swanky cocktail, then this spot is the place for you.
When we heard earlier this year that a new bar was on the horizon from the team behind some of the city's best hospitality venues, we couldn't quite believe our luck.
Paper Plane is the newest venture from hospitality group Palagander, who run The Domino Club, Roland's and The Woods over in Chapel Allerton.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
But Paper Plane might just be their best spot yet, based in the beautiful Grand Arcade this cocktail bar is offering something different to anything else we've seen in the city.
Stepping through the doors here and you'll feel like you've been whisked to time gone by.
The bar is dubbed as a a love letter to an analogue time where everything was made by hand.
The interior is inspired by 1970s Hollywood and Japanese listening bars, complete with music played exclusively on vinyl to match.
The menu is of course perfectly curated, made up of signature serves and classics alongside its own martini menu served straight from the freezer.
Every single detail has been thoroughly thought through, from the bar equipment coming straight from Japan to the bespoke wooden seating.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As you take a seat, you'll be greeted with a paper menu that you're asked to order with. Everything is table service, the staff you can tell are truly passionate about their job, and everything just feels that little bit special.
The space is perfectly sized, seating around 40-50 guests and bookings will be taken over the phone rather than online.
In an age where everything feels so digital and fleeting, Paper Plane is a welcome reminder of proper connection and long lasting moments.
We think this new spot is going to go down an absolute treat, and it's a welcome addition to the city's nightlife scene.
Pop royalty S Club announce new arena tour, with huge Leeds and Sheffield gigs
Daisy Jackson
S Club will be heading back toYorkshire on a newly-announced 13-date arena tour next year.
The pop icons have announced the Ain’t No Party Like A S Club Party tour, which will see Bradley, Jo, Jon, Rachel and Tina back on stage for the ultimate pop party.
The huge tour includes a night at the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds, a night at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, as well as two gigs at the O2 in London.
S Club are one of Britain’s most successful pop groups, formerly known as S Club 7, who went on to become a cultural phenomenon with their own TV series – one of which, L.A. 7, remains the highest-rated programme of all time on CBBC.
Their smash hits include Reach, Don’t Stop Movin, Bring It All Back, Never Had A Dream Come True, and S Club Party.
In 2023, S Club celebrated their 25th anniversary with a sellout UK and US tour, shortly after the tragic death of former member Paul Cattermole.
Now, five of the original seven are ready to bring the party back to Manchester, as S Club return to the stage.
They’ll have very special guests supporting on the tour too, announcing Boyzlife, the supergroup made up of the former Boyzone and Westlife members Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden.
S Club say: “We can’t wait to get back out on tour, see you all and celebrate the songs, memories and moments we’ve shared together over the years.
“It’s going to be one BIG party, and we want you all to be part of it!”
Tickets for all shows go on sale at 9.30am on Friday 6 November HERE.
Georgina Pellant -
15th May 2021 
