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Leeds United legend Chris Kamara honoured with Freedom of Wakefield award

Such an inspiring bloke. So well deserved.

Danny Jones - 17th April 2024

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.

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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."

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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