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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You can watch The Traitors finale on a massive screen in Leeds next Friday
The finale of The Celebrity Traitors is hitting our TV screens next Friday, and there’s a big screening party happening in Leeds especially for it.
Don't panic guys, it's happening.
Fancy sitting down to watch one of the cultural events of the year on a big screen with dozens of others who are just as invested in the show as you are? Well, now you can.
And that’s because Belgrave Music Hall, one of the city’s most beloved event spaces and bars, will be hosting a finale watching party and we’re all invited.
Taking place next Friday 23 January, fans of The Traitors are invited to watch the finale which kicks off 9pm in the canteen.
Best part? The tickets are absolutely free and we've no doubt there'll be some banging drink deals on to get the party started.
We’re already searching our wardrobes for an item of clothing that remotely resembles a cloak.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Belgrave said: "The world famous Traitors finale screening is back at Belgrave! In the past we've been graced with the presence of OG Faithful @theomayne1, plus our Clauds has been known to make an appearance (please scroll for evidence)... twists and turns are promised 👀"
So to give this series of The Traitors a proper send off, get yourself to Belgrave Music Hall from 6pm and enjoy a few beverages with like minded fans whilst screaming at the screen as Claudia makes her way into the frame.
Whilst we're on the topic, has anyone got an incredibly glossy black fringed wig we could borrow?
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires have announced a huge gig in Halifax
Daisy Jackson
Hollywood Vampires are heading back out on tour, with a huge Yorkshire gig announced for this year.
The supergroup, which consists of one of the biggest names in Hollywood as well as one of rock’n’roll’s most iconic names, are set to perform at the AO Arena as part of a run of shows.
Hollywood Vampires is made up of A-lister Johnny Depp, as well as rock royalty including Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, plus Tommy Henriksen.
They last performed with an arena tour back in 2023, making these their first gigs in almost three years.
Hollywood Vampires have now announced a return to the stage, with a show at the iconic Piece Hall in Halifax on 22 August.
They’ll be supported by The Jesus and Mary Chain, who marked their 40th anniversary in 2024 with a new album, Glasgow Eyes.
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires announce Manchester gig. Credit: Aaron Perry
Hollywood Vampires formed in 2012, named after Cooper’s celebrity drinking club of the same name where the aim was reportedly to ‘drink until no one could stand up’.
Over the years, the supergroup has worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Zak Starkey (formerly the drummer for Oasis).
A Three Presale for tickets will take place from 10am on Wednesday 21 January, followed by a venue presale on Thursday 22 January, then general sale from 10am on Friday 23 January.
Danny Jones -
17th April 2024 
