Sports star inspires fundraising night

Former Wakefield Trinity star Malcolm Sampson lives with this distressing condition, which attacks the body, while leaving the brain completely undamaged and intact.

Other famous victims of MND, whose lives have been shortened by this condition, include American sports star Lou Gehrig, Leeds United manager Don Revie and the actor David Niven.

Malcolm, who played for Trinity in the 1963 Challenge Cup final at Wembley, will be there on the night and the whole show has been organised by Malcolm’s brother and fellow retired rugby star David Sampson.

I spoke to David last week and he tells me that an Italian singer called Remo is causing quite a stir in local circles and is about to be launched at clubland. Remo will be singing on the night at Lee Moor, along with many other guest singers.

Many of today’s Super League stars will also be going along to support the event and admission is just a fiver. Tickets are expected to sell out very quickly, so just call in at the club or ring 07958 015917 for further details.

David tells me Remo caused quite a stir while singing at a function in the Talbot and Falcon pub in Wakefield last week.

There were many comments made by some of those present, about both Remo and associated subjects, which I was very interested to hear about. I do hope that the Lee Moor event is a massive success, as it deserves to be.

A major hospice fundraising event is taking place this weekend, with Wakefield Hospice benefiting from the event, which is being held at Walton Community Club.

Hospice fundraiser Jayne Lindop tells me that the event, on Saturday night, will feature a Pink tribute act called Miss Understood.

This Valentine-style fundraiser is sure to be well attended and all the family is welcome. It’s just a fiver on the door and there is a nominal charge for admission for the children.

This all sounds like a lot of fun, so why not go along and try and win some major prizes, which have been donated by a wide range of local businesspeople.

Moorthorpe Empire Club in South Elmsall is to host the next Wakefield and Pontefract Concert Secretaries Federation Showcase. Next Tuesday February 14 is the big night and admission is free, with everyone being made welcome. So why not go along and do a little talent-spotting?

It’s been a long time since I last heard from Castleford’s famous singing ref John Kendrew.

John emailed the other day with news of a charity event he is involved in this weekend. John (aka Johnny Vallon) also tells that he was Canary Isles-bound at Christmas and working in one of the cabaret bars.

I wonder if our mutual friend Mike Carlton had anything to do with his engagement? I know that Mike is very influential in the resort of Playa De Las Americas. In any event John is inviting all his old friends to The Boat at Allerton Bywater this weekend for a night of music and fundraising for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Two local bands The Players and Chalkface will be gigging at this great pub venue on Saturday night.

Wakefield Pool League holds its annual presentation night next week on February 15 at Westgate Common Club.

Jim Illingworth from the league rang me with news that everyone is welcome to attend the show, which features Wakefield comedy duo Sharp Experience. I’m sure that the evening will be a success.

On a lighter note, Altofts singing star Laura Ellis now seems to have developed a sideline, which is expanding the waistlines of many clubland people, including myself.

Laura makes the most scrumptious cakes and quite literally her two biggest customers are Methley entertainer Johnny Martell and myself.

If you see Laura on your travels, why not ask her for a sample of her goods. I have only two words to describe them: yum yum!

If you have any news or views for this column we would like to hear from you.

Just drop me a line at the Express, email [email protected] or call my office number on 01924 890800 and leave a message.