Why Leeds United hero Terry Yorath’s most important legacy goes far beyond football
It was just a normal day in the Yorath house as a doting father had a kickaround with a football alongside his treasured son in the back garden.
It was a moment of pride as Terry Yorath’s son Daniel, aged just 15 at the time, was in the middle of his GCSEs and had signed for Leeds United - the exact same club where his father had risen through the ranks in to earn a place in Elland Road folklore.
His whole life was ahead of him.
But what was just a kickabout in the garden in their Shadwell home ended in tragedy after Daniel collapsed to the ground and died.
Following the teen’s death from the rare disease hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Terry and wife Christine launched a vigorous campaign to try and make sure similar tragedies would not happen again.
Terry Yorath, who died aged 75, was determined to ensure that his son’s death left a legacy and the Leeds United hero spent his life campaigning for change.
He turned personal tragedy into purpose.
Speaking to the YEP a decade after Daniel’s death, Terry said: "What happened to my Daniel was inexplicable - or, at least, that's what I thought at the time. But the medical experts explained it was caused by a faulty gene which was like a time bomb waiting to go off.
"It is just one of those things that, if it's going to happen it will happen - irrespective of whether you are a fit and healthy teenager or an overweight, out-of-condition 80-year-old.”
Just months after the teen’s death the Daniel Yorath House, in Garforth, opened to support people with brain injuries.
The centre, which was opened in 1992 by The Disabilities Trust, was one of the UK’s very first facilities to provide dedicated assessment and rehabilitation for people with brain injuries.
And the family spoke of their pride to support the centre - a lasting memory to their precious son.
Mrs Yorath said to the YEP at the time: "I remember when this place opened 10 years ago. So much good work is being done.
“There was no link between the cause of Daniel's sudden death and the wonderful service offered here but it was an honour for them to ask to use his name.”
And it is testament to Terry Yorath’s legacy to Leeds.
His campaigning went beyond football, shaping a legacy rooted in compassion, protection, and devotion to the city he treasured.
Giving back to football fans honours the game, and it was very rare to find a footballing hero so adored by the supporters of three major clubs in West Yorkshire - Leeds, Huddersfield and Bradford - where he made his mark on and off the pitch.
But leaving a lasting impression on the city he loved and lived in is how Terry Yorath’s legacy lives far beyond the final whistle.