From the incredible fundraising efforts of Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield, to a kindhearted chef, community champions and a YouTube star spreading joy through food – these individuals have gone above and beyond for others.
Here’s why they are making Leeds proud.
1. 12 people who make us proud of Leeds
These individuals have gone above and beyond to help others Photo: National World/Getty Images
2. Bobby Geetha
Bobby Geetha is an award-winning chef who put Leeds on the map when he appeared on the Great British Menu last year, alongside Liz Cottam. Born in India and now proud to call Leeds his home, the founder and head chef of Fleur cooked 100 Christmas turkey masala and turmeric basmati rice dishes for the homeless on Christmas Day. Bobby recently travelled to America to promote his new cookbook - and put Leeds in the spotlight across the pond. Photo: Steve Riding
3. Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield
The Leeds Rhinos legends need little introduction - the pair have raised millions of pounds towards motor neurone disease (MND) research and a new MND centre in Leeds, following Rob's diagnosis with the condition in 2019. Rob and Kevin were awarded the Freedom of Leeds award by the council last year, in recognition of their "courage, commitment and inspirational strength of character". Rob has campaigned relentlessly for MND awareness, while his former teammate has taken on mammoth fundraising challenges in support of his close friend. Photo: George Wood/Getty Images
4. Hawa Bah
Hawa Bah is a survivor of female genital mutilation (FGM) now works as an advocate for other FGM victims at the Blossom Clinic in Leeds - giving them the confidence to share their experiences and ensures they know about the medical help available. Hawa became an advocate for the Leeds-based Black Health Initiative before launching her own charity HawaDal Peace of Mind in 2016. It helps new arrivals in the UK with how to raise their children here, their rights, the law and more. Photo: Steve Riding
5. Chris Sylvester
Chris Sylvester was a registered heroin addict by the age of 13, but has transformed not only his life but the lives of other recovering addicts in Leeds. Now five years clean, Chris is the founder of the Getting Clean project, an organisation that unites people in recovery and helps them to find purpose and friendship while giving back to the community and the environment - including litter picking, repairs and recycling. Photo: James Hardisty
6. Keranjeet Kaur Virdee
Keranjeet Kaur Virdee was made MBE in the King's New Year's Honours list following her work developing South Asian arts across the country. She moved to the UK at the age of six in 1967 with her mother who did not speak any English. She is now the chief executive and artistic director of South Asian Arts UK (SAA UK), a Leeds-based art and cultural charity that has flourished into a well-renowned institution. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe