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Farnley surgeon’s marathon effort for heart charity

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British Heart Foundation's "Heart Runner" Chiraag Karia after completing the 2024 London Marathon. Photography by Danny Fitzpatrick / DFphotography

A 31-year-old plastic surgeon from Farnley put in a marathon effort to conquer the TCS 2024 London Marathon while raising funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF). 

Chiraag Karia joined a team of 800 BHF runners who took to the streets of London yesterday (Sunday, 21 Apri)l all with the same mission to fund lifesaving research.  

The iconic event raised more than £1.4 million for the BHF, which will enable the charity to continue to fund groundbreaking research into new treatments and cures for heart and circulatory diseases.  

Chiraag, who completed the gruelling 26.2-mile course in 4:50, raised an incredible £3,000.

He took on the challenge because his family has a history of cardiomyopathy and Chiraag himself has a genetic susceptibility to the condition. Cardiomyopathy is a type of heart disease that affects the walls of the heart.

After Chiraag’s uncle was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in 2019, the family were advised to get genetic testing for the condition which is when Chiraag was told he did have the gene.

As Chiraag is a doctor, he was keen to research the condition in depth and discovered the BHF’s pioneering research into treatments and cures. From this, he was inspired to fundraise for the charity. With London Marathon on his bucket list, he believed this was the perfect opportunity to support the BHF. 

Upon crossing the finish line, Chriaag said: “Taking part in the 2024 TCS London Marathon for the British Heart Foundation (BHF), was such a huge challenge and an incredible experience. The atmosphere around the course was electric and it was amazing having so many people cheering me on, it made me even more determined to cross the finish line.  

“The research that the BHF does makes such a difference to the 7.6 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases.  I’m proud that I’m doing as much as I can to support their amazing work to help fund the next big scientific breakthrough.”  

Andy Tribe, Events Manager at the BHF, added: “It’s fantastic to see Chiraag’s courage and determination in helping us fund lifesaving research. Without the dedication of our team of BHF runners and the commitment of people like Chriaag, we wouldn’t be able to fund research that has already broken new ground, revolutionised treatments and transformed the lives of millions of people in the UK.   

“The stories of why our amazing supporters take part never fails to amaze me and it was incredible to see Chiraag and 800 others take on such a gruelling challenge to help save and improve lives.”  

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Final sign off for new Kirkstall Road student flats

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The new development is due to be built off Kirkstall Road. Photo: Google

Proposals for a new student accommodation building next to the fire station on Kirkstall Road have been signed off by Leeds City Council, after a planning agreement was signed off. 

The application, lodged by Brigade Central LLP, a partnership fronted by Birmingham Properties Group, was submitted to the council in October 2023. A Section 106 legal agreement between the applicant and the council has been signed, which will be used to mitigate the impact of the development on the community and infrastructure.

Plans include a part eight, part 10-storey purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) building containing 198 studio flats and communal space including a roof terrace on the site of an existing low-rise office building occupied by W Denis Insurance. 

The scheme will tie in to the recent council-led improvements to Abbey Street, with the development providing accessible laybys for short-term drop offs and a turning head for servicing access, whilst wider footway surfacing is to be secured as part of a future agreement.

John Tebbutt, of Birmingham Properties Group, said: “We are happy to achieve planning permission on this under-utilised site in a prime location, to deliver high-quality purpose built student accommodation. 

“Once complete, the scheme will help to provide students a safe and comfortable environment with modern facilities close to the city’s various education institutions. 

“We’d like to thank the city council for working with us proactively on the application.” 

Planning consultant Jack Dickinson, of  Nexus Planning, said: “The project team engaged early with the city council’s planning, design, highways and landscaping officers in order to bring together a proposal that was generally acceptable to all parties.

“Alongside holding positive discussions with local residents through the Little Woodhouse Community Association, the application was submitted in a supportive context. We are really pleased to see the scheme approved.”

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Farsley: Singer Dean Friedman to appear at Old Woollen

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US singer-songwriter Dean Friedman, known for his hits including “Lydia” and “Lucky Stars”, will appear in Farsley on May 2 as part of his UK/Ireland tour.

He will be appearing at The Old Woollen as part of his tour, which is in support of his upcoming compilation album “More Words & Music” and his annual festival SongFest later this year.

Mr Friedman, best known to audiences for his string of chart hits including Lucky Stars, Lydia, Woman of Mine, McDonald’s Girl and “Well, Well,” said the Rocking Chair, will be performing solo, on guitar and keyboard, featuring songs from throughout his four-decade career, including familiar, radio hits and fan favourites, drawn from his nine studio albums.

He said: “My latest album, ‘American Lullaby’ reflects my personal take on all the crazy stuff that’s been happening in America – and around the world – for the last six years. Like all lullabies, it’s filled with tales of dark deeds and disaster, but couched in soft, gentle tones, meant to soothe and comfort the listener, while gently bracing them for the potential terrors that await.”

Tickets can be bought here.

For more events listings from across West Leeds, go to our what’s on section.

Burley: Police appeal after man seriously injured in machete fight

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Incident: Police were called to Burley Hill Drive. Photo: Google

Detectives are appealing for information following a large fight involving weapons in Burley last night where a number of men were seriously injured.

At 11.48pm on Sunday, police started to receive calls from members of the public reporting males armed with machetes and other weapons attacking each other in Burley Hill Drive.

Armed officers were deployed to the scene but those involved had left.

Two badly damaged vehicles, a Mitsubishi Shogun and a Volkswagen Passat, were found abandoned at the scene.

Officers have now traced five men believed to have been involved in the incident, some of whom have knife wounds, and enquiries are ongoing to identify and locate other suspects.

Two men, aged 22 and 25, had received serious head injuries. A 35-year-old man had received a fractured elbow, and a 22-year-old man had hand injuries. All are continuing to receive hospital treatment for injuries that are not believed to be life threatening.

They have all been arrested in connection with the incident, as has a 23-year-old man who remains in police custody.

Two other men, who attended hospital in Bradford with suspected stab type injuries, left prior to police arrival and enquiries are ongoing to trace them.

A scene and road closures remain in place around Burley Hill Drive while forensic examination is carried out.

Detective Inspector Dan Ridgway, of Leeds District CID, said: “This has clearly been a significant violent incident and we are treating it very seriously.

“We are carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding it, and to ensure that all those involved are identified and traced to receive any necessary medical treatment and as suspects in the investigation.

“We are aware that this disturbance in the street was seen by several members of the public and we would still like to hear from anyone who witnessed any part of it, particularly anyone with any relevant phone, dashcam or CCTV footage.

“We recognise that an incident of this nature will cause understandable concern in the community, and we are liaising with our colleagues on the local neighbourhood policing team who are increasing their presence in the area to reassure people.”

Anyone with any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13240213486 or online.

Photos: Finishing touches to new children’s centre at Pudsey Southroyd School

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It’s been all hands on deck at Pudsey Southroyd Primary to complete the new children’s centre and after-school club building in time for a soft opening at the end of the month.

The school is putting the finishing touches to replacing the previous facilities with a new building featuring 11 converted shipping containers.

The children’s centre plays host to baby groups and toddlers’ activities.

As previously reported, the new building is being constructed out of 90% recyclable materials, and will create new facilities for Pudsey Children’s Centre, as well as a new venue for local groups and holding workshops and community events. It will boast a living roof when it is finished.

Here’s a slideshow of images as work continues on the new facility:

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In photos: April in Bramley, chilly but blooming

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Photographer Susan Tellum has been out and about in Bramley with her camera again this week, capturing the changing seasons.

Here’s a slideshow of her photos:

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Pudsey choristers shoot video for music and deaf charity

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Recording: Voices of Yorkshire Choir have recorded a video for charity.

Pudsey choir members have hit the right note by recording a music video for a music and deaf charity, Sally Lawerence reports.

On Sunday, 14 April, on location at the Coniston Hotel in the Yorkshire Dales, the Voices of Yorkshire choir shot their first music video to raise money for Music and the Deaf.

Music producer Andy Thornton of Thornton Amplifiers recorded ‘Mountain’, and Dave of Lawal Footage videoed the choir singing in all the weather Yorkshire could muster!

“We spent the last few weeks learning to sign the chorus of the song under the instruction of our very own Wonder Woman,” said Vicki Gilbert,  who attends the Menston choir. Vicki will also appear in the video, signing the entire song.

Alongside the British Sign language, the video will also include subtitles so that it is as accessible as possible for anyone with deafness.

A choir spokesperson said: “As always our choir members did us proud and turned out in force to support this event, we had approximately 150 singers from aged 18 to 92 join us on the day, plus our very own Voices of Yorkshire bear! We’re so excited to see the final video and can’t wait to raise lots of money for our chosen charity Music and the Deaf, a charity very close to our hearts.”

Once our video is complete, it will be uploaded onto Spotify and all of the proceeds will go directly to Music And The Deaf. Spotify fees will be donated by Jo’s Bees.

Voices of Yorkshire is made up of six choirs in Skipton, Silsden, Bingley, Oakworth, Menston and Pudsey. They love to welcome new members, and you don’t have to be a professional singer to sign up.

The spokesperson added: “We don’t hold auditions, we just love to welcome new people who enjoy singing, having fun singing as well as raising money for charity is what we’re all about at Voices of Yorkshire!”

For more information, visit their website. Voices of Yorkshire’s Pudsey branch rehearses every Monday at St Andrew Methodist Church in Robin Lane, more details here.

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Theatre company brings mental health issues to the stage

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Invisible Pain Theatre Company rehearsing Darkness Into Light

By Michelle Corns

A West Leeds theatre company is shining the spotlight on mental health.

The sward winning Invisible Pain Theatre Company (iptc) host the first of their spring/summer shows: Darkness into Light, at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Pudsey on Saturday, 27 April (7pm). 

Darkness into Light is a variety performance that showcases the reality of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD. Mental health conditions affect so many people – many of whom suffer in silence.  

Iptc is a theatre company that supports people with mental health issues – through drama, music and theatre. The performances in Darkness into Light encapsulate the lived experiences of mental health conditions and how they.can be overcome  –  expressed through spoken word, play acting, music and dance. 

Tickets are £5. Pay on the door or contact info@ip-tc.c.

West Leeds planning applications: 21 April 2024

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Each week we publish a list of the latest planning applications related to the six council wards in West Leeds.

The following applications were published on the Leeds City Council website in the past seven days:

Armley Ward

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

Calverley & Farsley Ward

Farnley & Wortley Ward

Kirkstall Ward

Pudsey Ward

Decided applications

Here are the planning applications decided by Leeds City Council this week:

Armley Ward

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

Calverley & Farsley Ward

Farnley & Wortley Ward

Kirkstall Ward

Pudsey Ward

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Farsley Celtic stage the Great Escape to avoid relegation (again)

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Farsley Celtic fans celebrate staying up in National League North. Photo: John Baron

By John Baron

Farsley Celtic are rapidly redefining the meaning of ‘by skin of their teeth’ as they somehow avoided relegation on the last day of the season for the third year in a row.

The Celts, who started the day in the drop zone, staged their own version of The Great Escape thanks to a 2-0 win against Buxton, while relegation rivals Blyth Spartans were thumped 5-1 at home to Brackley, leaving Farsley three points clear of relegation and safe again.

Defenders Tom Allan and Isaac Assenso notched their first goals of the season to give The Celts the win their commanding performance deserved.

With a little help from my friends: Zan Luk Leban and defenders scramble the ball away. Photo: Ivor Hughes

The past two months have seen The Celts surrender their comfortable mid-table position to nose-dive into the drop zone following a worrying run of one win in 12, scoring just seven times. ‘Village team’ Farsley are one of the smallest clubs in the league, up against some much bigger fuel-time, hybrid and former league clubs and are arguably punching way above their weight to be in this division.

But today The Celts were cheered on by a bumper crowd thanks – in part – to the decision to allow Leeds United members and season ticket holders, and Bradford City season ticket holders in for free. And the players responded.

Clayton Donaldson takes a long throw. Photo: Ivor Hughes

The home side took an early lead to settle the nerves on 12 minutes. A long throw from Clayton Donaldson was cleared back to the gaffer, who swung it in first time before it fell to Tom Allan – back from a three-match suspension – who volleyed home in emphatic style.

With news filtering through the the Farsley fateful that Blyth were losing, hope began to grown that an unlikely escape could actually be on. But there was still a long way to go.

Donaldson battles for the ball. Photo: Ivor Hughes

Michael Coulson went close before Ryan Watson saw his shot from the edge of the box blocked as Farsley were on top. Coulson was involved again when his first-time half-volley from the edge of the box whistled narrowly over the bar.

Just before half time Buxton caused Farsley hearts to flutter when there was a goalmouth scramble, but other than that the home team were the better side.

Farsley’s Michael Coulson and a Buxton player tussle for the ball. Photo: Ivor Hughes

Half-time saw Blyth losing 4-0 at home to Brackley and The Celts a goal up. Could Farsley fans, who had previously been contemplating a weekend in Whitby and renewing rivalries with Guiseley next season, have to think again?

Just four minutes into the second half Farsley took a giant stride to safety.

Ryan Watson floated a corner in, the returning Rudy Misambo attempted to force it home at it before it fell to Assenso, who forced it over the line from close range. The Celts faithful were in seventh heaven.

Heads up: Farsley skipper Chris Atkinson challenges for the ball. Photo: Ivor Hughes

Farsley were causing the Buxton back line problems. Donaldson hit the post when clean through then failed to hit the target with an effort on the edge of the box. He was then booked for diving when a penalty looked the most obvious decision. Coulson also went close as The Celts looked to wrap up the three points.

The crowd watch the Great Escape. Anyone see Steve McQueen? Photo: Ivor Hughes

Mid-table Buxton had a couple of half chances late on, Brogan firing wide from inside the area when well placed, but they failed to produce a shot on target in the 90 minutes.

As the final whistle blew on another tumultuous season the Farsley faithful spilled onto the pitch to celebrate survival with the players.

The Citadel looks out on to Farsley’s gladiators… Photo: Ivor Hughes

There will be questions to answer at the club over the summer, but not today. Tonight is a time for celebration and relief as the Harry Houdinis of Farsley pull off their latest death defying escape act.

Not bad for a small village nestled between Leeds and Bradford, eh? Roll on August.

‘We are staying up’ – fans congratulate player of the season Zan Luk Leban at full time. Photo: John Baron

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Farsley Celtic face Groundhog Day in fight for survival as club calls for support

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Farsley Celtic fans will need to be in full voice tomorrow. Photo: John McEvoy

By John Baron

Farsley Celtic face their very own Groundhog Day tomorrow (Saturday) when they enter the final game of the season needing results to go their way to avoid relegation.

It’s the third year running The Celts have endured a nail-biting last day, only surviving the past two seasons by the skin of their teeth after results went their way.

Farsley Celtic players and staff celebrate at the final whistle after staying up in 2022. Photo: John McEvoy

The Celts are locked on 50 points with Blyth Spartans but occupying the final relegation spot in the National League North. Blyth have a superior goal difference of nine.

Put simply, Farsley have to better Blyth’s result on Saturday or face relegation to the Northern Premier League, five years on from winning promotion from the seventh tier. If both teams win, Farsley will have to hope for a miracle turnaround in goal difference.

Both sides have been given home fixtures, with Farsley facing mid-table Buxton, whilst Blyth have the tougher fixture on paper as they host play-off certs Brackley Town who will be looking for a positive result to cement their place in third.

Farsley have already announced that existing Leeds United season ticket holders and members can attend the game for free, along with Bradford City season ticket holders, as they aim to get a bumper crowd backing the home team. Advanced tickets for the fixture, with include online-only family tickets, can be found here, payment is also available on the gate.

Farsley were boosted by the return of Isaac Assenso during last week’s 3-1 defeat at Darlington, and will welcome back defender Tom Allan after suspension. Injury meant Chris Atkinson was on the bench last weekend, while Lewis Turner missed out entirely. All three are expected to be fit. The Celts will, however, be without defenders Rudy Misambo and George Smith.

Strap yourselves in. Dust off your The Great Escape soundtrack. The Citadel will be a rollercoaster of emotions tomorrow.

Video: Armley election hustings captured in full

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Candidates and chair Pete Zanzottera ahead of the hustings. Photo: John Baron

Armley residents had a chance to put their questions to local election candidates at a special hustings event this week.

The event was organised by local residents and held at Denison Hall on Town Street on Tuesday ahead of the 2 May Leeds City Council elections. Questions put to candidates included the future of Armley Town Street, transport, housing and other local issues. WLD summarised the hustings here.

Organisers have today released a video of the event, which can be watched in full here:

Armley candidate profiles and a list of all candidates can be read here.

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