We were delighted to be nominated by Leeds’ legends, the Kaiser Chiefs, to benefit from a charity collection at their recent gig at Elland Road stadium.

Our team of volunteers grabbed their purple buckets and headed down to Elland Road where we were overwhelmed by the kind words so many of the band’s fans had to say about St Gemma’s – with many people approaching our volunteers to share their thanks for the care their loved ones had received.

We raised an amazing £739.65 on the night, which the band dedicated to their keyboardist’s father, Alan, who died in St Gemma’s care.

The band’s keyboardist, Nick Baines, affectionately known to Kaiser Chiefs fans as Peanut, paid tribute to the St Gemma’s team as they headed off on their tour this spring:

“My dad died peacefully at St Gemma’s in 2018. The care was amazing and I can’t tell you how much they helped my family cope with his sudden brain tumour diagnosis. The whole team looked after our dad (and us) so well in his final months. We will forever be grateful.”

The money raised from the collection at the gig is enough to pay for one day of care for a patient staying at the Hospice and for a Community Nurse to visit a patient in their own home.

We were also able to raise extra funds for patient care by auctioning tickets to their 2020 tour at the St Gemma’s Winter Ball last December. The lucky winners were able to watch the Kaiser Chiefs, meet Ricky, Andrew, Simon, Nick and Vijay, and take home a signed copy of their new album DUCK.

Thanks to the Kaiser Chiefs for their support. We’d also like to send our love to Nick and his family; we’re here if you need us.