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‘A true gentleman’: Fundraiser launched for Leeds hospitality legend diagnosed with terminal cancer

"There are very few like this man. He is a gentleman in the truest meaning of that word."

Georgina Pellant - 15th May 2021

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.