Bramley rugby star Jamie Jones-Buchanan has received one of the city’s highest civic honours.
The Leeds Rhinos’ star’s dedication to his club and city has been recognised with a prestigious Leeds Award.
The Leeds Award formally recognises those who have made an enormous contribution to the city, with their names displayed on the wall in the antechamber of Leeds Civic Hall.
At a special ceremony this week, Jamie was presented with his award by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Eileen Taylor, who congratulated him on his fantastic sporting career but also thanked him for his far-reaching charity and community work over the years.
Born in Leeds in 1981, Jamie is a one club man and has played for Leeds Rhinos for an incredible 20 years having come through their junior development programme.
He drew the curtain on his professional rugby league career in September but has represented the club in excess of 400 times since signing for them in 1999.
Asides from his many sporting accolades, Jamie also works tirelessly to support his city through extensive charity and community work. Earlier this year he officially opened Bramley Carnival.
Jamie Jones-Buchanan said:
“I can’t express what an honour it is to receive this award with my family. Leeds is my home and I am just a reflection of what the people of this great city have graciously given to me over the last 38 years.
“Our moto at the Leeds Rhinos Foundation is to ‘change lives through sport’ and as a professional sportsman, it’s been a privilege to share my thoughts and experiences to future generations, local communities and organisations.
“I love Leeds and want it to be the best city in the world and God willing, I will continue to serve this city until my last breath.”
A very well deserved award to a really hardworking chap. He was a long term fellow governor at Co-operative Academy Priesthorpe, supporting many of our young people, not to mention his illustrious career with Leeds Rhinos. Congratulations Jamie!