Leeds United legend Norman Hunter's family organise charity golf day to thank hospitals in city

The family of much-loved Leeds United legend Norman Hunter have organised a charity golf day in his memory - raising funds for Leeds Hospitals Charity to support cancer research.
By Daniel Sheridan
Published 5th Jun 2021, 04:45 BST
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Norman began his football career with Leeds United in 1959.

He was part of the FIFA 1966 World Cup winning squad where he rose to international fame.

During his time at Leeds, he was given the nickname "Bites Yer Legs" Hunter, known as a tough tackling centre half and defensive midfielder on the pitch.

The family of much-loved England footballer Norman Hunter have organised a charity golf day in his memory, raising funds for Leeds Hospitals Charity to support cancer research.The family of much-loved England footballer Norman Hunter have organised a charity golf day in his memory, raising funds for Leeds Hospitals Charity to support cancer research.
The family of much-loved England footballer Norman Hunter have organised a charity golf day in his memory, raising funds for Leeds Hospitals Charity to support cancer research.
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In 2013, Norman was diagnosed with Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and was receiving treatment at Leeds Cancer Centre.

He sadly died aged 76 in April 2020 after contracting COVID-19.

Professor Peter Hillmen, Consultant in Clinical Haematology at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, whose team looked after Norman for seven years described Mr Hunter as a "humble and delightful gentleman".

The professor added: "It was an honour to care for him and I’m so grateful to his family for putting on this golf day to support research into CLL here in Leeds.

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"The money raised through this fantastic event in Norman’s memory will make a huge difference to the research, treatment and care we can offer to patients at Leeds Cancer Centre.”

Following his successful football career, Norman continued to enjoy sports and was a member at Horsforth Golf Club.

His wife Sue, daughter Claire, and son Michael thought it would be the perfect place to host a fundraising event.

The event - which is set to ‘tee off’ on Friday July 2 - will see up to 50 teams of four playing throughout the day and the family hope to make this an annual event to celebrate Norman’s life and raise funds for charity.

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Norman’s wife Sue said, “We’re so thankful for the amazing care that Norman received, he was given the chance to enjoy many more years with friends and family because of Professor Hillmen and his team.

"This event is a wonderful way to honour his name and give something back to the hospital who cared for him.”

A fundraising page set up for the golf day has received donations from across the globe and already raised over £7000 for Leeds Hospitals Charity.

You can donate to the golf day’s fundraising page by clicking here. Norman’s family are looking for local businesses to be sponsors for the event.

If your business is interested in sponsoring the golf day, please email [email protected] for more information.

Related topics:ProfessorLeeds