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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Peter Kay at First Direct Arena – tickets, times and more for UK tour
Bolton-born comedian and entertainer Peter Kay is performing the final leg of his current UK arena tour with a series of charity shows.
Throughout his career, Kay has written and starred in various TV shows including Phoenix Nights, Max And Paddy's Road To Nowhere and Peter Kay's Car Share.
Alongside this, the Greater Manchester comedian has played a variety of arena shows across the UK, including at Leeds' very own First Direct Arena like 'Mum Wants a Bungalow Tour' and 'Better Late Than Never'.
And let's not forget his successful venture as a recording artist collaborating with Tony Christie on '(Is This The Way To) Amarillo' or alter-ego Geraldine's string of singles 'The Winner's Song' and 'Once Upon A Christmas Song'.
Gig guide | Peter Kay at First Direct Arena, Leeds
Peter Kay is coming to First Direct Arena for 'Better Late Than Never: The Final Show' / Credit: Press Shot (via supplied)
Are there any tickets left for Peter Kay at First Direct Arena?
Peter Kay is coming to Leeds city centre on Friday 24 July and luckily there's a handful of tickets still up for grabs, although we expect this event to sell out. Tickets are available HERE.
And, the money from the tickets you purchase will be split between the 12 charities that the Brit comedy legend has chosen such as Children With Cancer UK, Teenage Cancer Trust, Breast Cancer UK and more.
What are the stage times for Peter Kay in Leeds?
Anyone heading to the 'Better Late Than Never; The Final Show' can expect doors to open from 6pm with Peter Kay set to take to stage at 8pm.
First Direct Arena has a strict curfew of 11pm meaning you can laugh your socks off and still get tucked up under the covers before the clock hits midnight.
How to get to First Direct Arena
Bus Station
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
You can stay in this beautiful TV-free gothic hall in the Peak District
Thomas Melia
There's a gothic hall in the heart of the Peak District where you can enjoy a staycation with a difference - because it's completely TV-free.
Get ready to cosy up by the fire while soaking up everything this screen-free property in the Peak District has to offer.
This two bedroom, three bed gothic hall looks out onto some stunning views through its unique framed windows.
If you're up for a stroll, this staycation has many popular walking routes to the unique village of King Sterndale, Cheedale Stepping Stones and more.
There's a gothic hall in the Peak District that's completely TV-free / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
Only 10 minutes from Buxton and 15 minutes from Bakewell, this historic property is the perfect location for anyone wanting to explore more of Yorkshire.
Pictor Hall has a gorgeous landscape that can be enjoyed simply by opening the front door with an abundance of foliage and greenery surrounding the property.
And if you're still worried about the idea of being stuck without a TV, the Airbnb host has noted that the property has a variety of board games, books and free wifi.
Although, with Pictor Hall dating back to the 1700's, you'll probably spend a considerable amount of time gawking at all the impressive features and characteristics throughout.
Pictor Hall is an impressive 1700s property where you can have your own Yorkshire staycation / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
There's striking wooden beams, a vintage writers' desk, tables with old-timey carvings etched into the side, an array of big clay pots and a carved log that greets you upon arrival.
Previous visitors to this property have commented on Pictor Hall's "peaceful location", listing it as "amazing spot for a woodland getaway" and labelling the property as a "storybook cottage".
If you're up for staying in this gorgeous gothic Airbnb property while also having a mini digital detox, you can find out more and book your stay HERE.
Struggling to book a date? It's probably because our whole office is scrambling to enjoy their own staycation in this gothic hall.. sorry not sorry.
Danny Jones -
17th April 2024 
