Professor Sue Miller, Course Leader for the MA in Popular Music and Culture at Leeds Beckett Universitys School of Arts, is bringing her research and professional practice directly into the classroom and onto the stage. On Thursday 18 June, her band Charanga del Norte perform at Leeds City Varieties Music Hall in what promises to be one of the most ambitious nights of live music in the city this year, with students and colleagues from Leeds School of Arts playing a central role throughout the evening. The show marks the exclusive launch of Charanga del Nortes new album Havanaise, a Serge Gainsbourg-inspired collection of original compositions, alongside new EP singles Caballo Charanguero and Pa La Escuelita and a programme of Cuban charanga classics from Havana and New York. The first set of the evening draws on Gainsbourgs Latin recordings from the 1950s and early 1960s, bringing a distinctive French flavour to the bands signature sound. Charanga del Norte are the only full charanga orchestra in the UK, performing with an authentic line-up of flute, violins, cello, piano, bass, timbales drums, congas, giro and singers. Founded by Professor Miller, who studied Cuban flute with the legendary Richard Eges of Orquesta Aragn in Havana, the group have toured the UK for more than 25 years and supported major international Cuban acts including Eliades Ochoa of Buena Vista Social Club at The Bridgewater Hall and Orquesta Aragn and Changi de Guantnamo at the Barbican Victoria Park event in London. Songlines magazine has described the band as a superb UK-based salsa and charanga band, while DJ John Armstrong of Bass Clef, BBC Radio 2 and BBE Records calls them the perfect happy-shot for the heart, brain and soul. Audiences can expect an exciting night of mambo, son, chachacha, pachanga, danzn and bolero. Students and staff at the heart of the performance The City Varieties show is a genuine collaboration across Leeds School of Arts, reflecting Professor Millers commitment to connecting her professional practice with her teaching. Music Performance and Production students Izzy Tucker and Becca Hooley will join Performing Arts Lecturer Dr Adele Senior for a guest vocal spot with the band, rehearsing with Charanga del Norte the night before the performance. Behind the scenes, Marketing and Public Relations students Holly McHugh and Rudi Doughty are gaining real industry experience by supporting publicity for the event as part of their portfolio work. Students from the BA in Music Performance and Production, the MA in Popular Music and Culture and the Music Management programme, including MA student Kyra Findlator, will help run the merchandise operation on the night. The visual dimension of the evening has been developed by colleagues from Leeds School of Arts research community. Lecturer Tim Blackwell (Creative Technology/Film) is creating a Nouvelle Vague-styled short film of the performance, drawing on his PhD research and working with his Broadcast Media student Curt Pansanghan. Lecturer Ashley Dean is preparing projected animations for the show, also informed by his own doctoral research and professional practice. LBU alumnus Guillermo Davis, a Cuban dancer-turned-animator who graduated from the BA in Animation, will have his animation Chachacha del Lobo screened on the night, set to a new Charanga del Norte track from the forthcoming album. Sue said: My research and professional performance practice inform everything I do in the classroom. Having students perform alongside the band, work on the merchandise, support publicity and contribute to the film and animation is exactly the kind of integrated, real-world experience we want Leeds School of Arts students to have. This is what it means to learn from practitioners. The performance forms part of Professor Millers ongoing research into Cuban music and charanga performance practice, supported by Leeds Becketts Leeds Arts Research Cluster. Her work bridges professional performance, academic enquiry and student education, a model that will continue to develop with the launch of a new MA in Popular Music Performance in September 2026. Event details Date: Thursday 18 June 2026 Venue: Leeds City Varieties Music Hall, Swan Street, Leeds LS1 6LW Time: Doors open 7.30pm Tickets: Available via Leeds Heritage Theatres: leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/charanga-del-norte-2026/
Current findings from a comprehensive evaluation of Complications of Excess Weight (CEW) services undertaken by Leeds Beckett University, Sheffield Hallam University, University of Leeds, University of Bristol and University of Sheffield are presented this week at the European Congress on Obesity (EASO). It found that the thousands of children and young people who receive multi-disciplinary support through CEW clinics maintain more weight loss over time, in comparison to patients who can only access support through separate community and general practice services. The clinics were also successful in reaching children and young people attending CEW services from seldom-heard groups, such as those from more socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. CEW clinics bring together specialist NHS doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, family support workers and dietitians to provide the tailored treatment needed by children and young people struggling from complications related to excess weight. This can include support with diet and lifestyle changes and to improve their mental health, access to specialist medication and addressing health complications related to obesity. Professor Louisa Ells, co-lead for ENHANCE from the School of Health at Leeds Beckett University, said: Our study provides important data to show that CEW services are improving the health of children and young people living with severe obesity and related health conditions. CEW services are providing compassionate, joined up, patient-centred specialist care that is tailored to the needs of children, young people and their families. This holistic, non-stigmatising approach is key to supporting all patients, including those who are underrepresented in other obesity services, which is critical to addressing the health inequalities associated with obesity. Dr Cath Homer, Associate Professor in Obesity and Public Health at Sheffield Hallam University and co-lead of the ENHANCE study, said: Severe childhood obesity remains a major public health challenge in England, affecting approximately 15% of children aged between 2 and 15. Living with severe obesity during childhood and adolescence carries the risk that it will persist into adulthood, which would lead to an increased risk of many other serious health issues, including early onset cardiometabolic, respiratory, neurological and psychosocial problems, reducing peoples quality of life and life expectancy. The increasing prevalence of severe obesity and its complications amongst children and young people is fuelling rising demand for specialist support and treatment that goes beyond traditional community-based weight management services, and our research suggests that CEW services are an effective way to support patients for better health and weight management. Ibbie, a CEW service user, said: The CEW clinic not only changed my life, but also completely changed the way I see myself and my future. When I first came to the clinic, I was in a very negative place and terrified of being judged for my weight and appearance. Instead, I was met with kindness, understanding and support. The team took every aspect of my wellbeing into account, including my mental health and supported me every step of the way. Thanks to their support, guidance and care, I have now lost seven stone. I truly couldn't have achieved this without them, and I will always be grateful for everything they have done for me! Since being piloted by the NHS in selected areas since 2021, over 6,000 children and young people in England have received treatment through CEW clinics. The research team says the evidence supports the clinical need for national access to this kind of multidisciplinary service as the most effective way to help children and young people develop the behaviours that will help them lose weight and reduce the likelihood that they will go on to develop complications from excess weight in the future. Professor Julian Hamilton-Shield, from the University of Bristol, said: When the new CEW clinics were first announced, some questioned whether they might increase health inequalities. Our evidence is quite the reverse, demonstrating remarkable reach within those underserved communities typically less inclined to access NHS services, such as ethnic minorities, those with the most material deprivation and the neurodiverse. Professor Simon Kenny, NHS Englands National Clinical Director for Children and Young People, said: This research demonstrates the positive impact NHS CEW clinics are having for children and young people with severe obesity, while also highlighting the challenges these individuals face. The NHS is committed to providing early support to help limit excess weight gain and prevent associated long-term health complications for people affected by obesity. The ENHANCE evaluation is part of NIHR-funded project looking at best practice in CEW clinics, through speaking to those accessing and delivering the service, to outline ways they can be improved for patients and their families. It is evaluating outcomes of patients attending the clinics, patient demographics, treatment and support offered, patient experiences and cost-effectiveness. Current findings from the project include: Patients at CEW clinics are supported to maintain more weight loss over time, when compared to patients who can only access support through separate primary care services. CEW services are reaching children who are typically underserved by existing weight management services. Over half of patients attending clinics had highly complex medical complications and neurodevelopmental needs, many of which benefitted from early weight loss intervention. The clinics also work with more children and young people from minority ethnic groups and more deprived socioeconomic areas, suggesting that they can provide support for patients from more seldom-heard groups. Research suggests that the use of specialist weight loss medication, known as GLP1s, are effective for significant weight loss in adolescents when offered as part of a specialist multidisciplinary treatment plan offered by CEW services. CEW services show the need for patient support from multi-disciplinary teams, with ongoing and tailored patient-centred care being instrumental for children, young people and their families.
The recognition highlights the significant commercial impact, innovation, and long term growth and sustainability delivered through the universitys research expertise and close collaboration with its industry partners in the region and beyond. Jo Griffiths, Head of KTP at Leeds Beckett, explained: The Knowledge Transfer Partnerships have brought exceptional expertise, innovative new ways of working, and lasting impact to Sniffers and Ardent. KTPs are a unique and powerful partnership which brings together academic experts, a company wanting to grow sustainably and innovate in their field, and a skilled KTP Associate recruited to carry out the project as a full-time member of the company. At LBU we are in the top 10 universities in the country for the size of our KTP programme. Our team is dedicated to creating true partnerships with the businesses we work with, which extend beyond the life of the project and into further programmes of support and opportunities across the university and our talented students and academic experts. Both of the KTP Associates for Sniffers and Ardent are graduates of LBU. The highlights of the Sniffers project achievements include: Launching new natural pet treat brand NAW into mainstream retailers including Sainsburys and Morrisons, Creating a base of brand advocates for NAW leading to a returning customer rate of more than 60%, Introducing a new trade website, achieving a 31% increase in orders.
The two-year project is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) through Innovate UK, and is led by Dr Catherine Ashworth, Senior Lecturer in Global and Strategic Marketing in Leeds Business School. Dr Ashworth explained: Specialised Covers are an ambitious company with a strong reputation in the UK textiles industry, designing and manufacturing British-made protective covers for vehicles, caravans, defence, motorsport and garden equipment. The KTP aims to accelerate the companys growth and resilience through introducing strategic marketing and AI-driven tools, expanding into new international markets, diversifying product offerings across market sectors, and creating a culture change across the organisation to encourage sharing of knowledge and expertise between colleagues.
Charlie graduated in 2025 with a first-class honours degree in Business Management with Enterprise. During his time at Leeds Beckett, he was actively involved in enterprise and entrepreneurship initiatives delivered through the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange, where he quickly stood out for both the strength of his ideas and his determination to turn them into real ventures. While studying, Charlie took part in both the Social Enterprise Awards and the EUREKA competition, two flagship enterprise initiatives organised by the Centre. He won first prize in both competitions with his business concept Padel Fit. The idea focused on tackling social inequalities by creating an accessible, community-focused padel and wellness facility in Oldham. The concept combined affordable memberships, inclusive programmes for different age groups and health workshops aimed at improving physical activity and wellbeing in underserved communities. His proposal also demonstrated strong commercial thinking, with a clear business model based on court bookings, memberships, wellness services and community partnerships. Charlies success and entrepreneurial progress have now been recognised through his shortlisting for the prestigious Educate North Awards, which celebrate excellence and impact across higher education, further education and sixth form sectors in the North of England. Through the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange, Leeds Business School supports students in developing entrepreneurial thinking, testing new venture ideas and connecting with mentors, investors and regional business networks. Charlies achievements demonstrate how these initiatives enable students to translate their ideas into real-world ventures with social and economic impact. Since graduating, Charlie has continued to develop his entrepreneurial journey and has pivoted to launch a new venture called Real Reformer Studio, a fitness-focused business which he is currently building. Charlie is a strong example of the type of entrepreneurial graduate Leeds Beckett aims to develop through initiatives such as EUREKA and the wider programmes delivered by the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange, individuals who not only generate innovative ideas during their studies but continue to pursue them beyond graduation to create meaningful impact in their communities. Professor Lebene Soga, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management Practice at Leeds Business School, said: "Charlie is a fantastic example of the entrepreneurial mindset we champion at Leeds Beckett. His journey is an inspiration to other students looking to turn their ideas into real ventures. Being shortlisted for an Educate North Award is a well-deserved recognition, and it also reflects an important part of what CEKE is about - empowering our students to transform ambition into impact. Charlie added: Im really proud to have been shortlisted for the ENAs because I know how much work went into my time at university, and because where Im from this journey isnt the normal one for someone like me. Coming from a background where most people go straight into work or trades, being recognised at this level for my achievements at university and beyond feels both surreal and significant.
Simeon Barclay, a Fine Art graduate of Leeds School of Arts, has been shortlisted for the Turner Prize 2026 - and one of the most celebrated prizes in the contemporary art world. The announcement was made by Tate Britain, which administers the prize, on 20 April. Barclay has been nominated for The Ruin, a debut hour-long spoken word performance commissioned by the Roberts Institute of Art and also presented at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London, The Hepworth Wakefield and New Art Exchange in Nottingham. Drawing on his upbringing in Huddersfield and his lived experience of northern England's industrial landscape, the performance features live percussion and horn accompaniment and uses experimental language and an immersive soundscape to explore themes of Britishness, class, race and masculine identity. The Turner Prize jury praised the work for its 'evocative, experimental use of language and a psychologically immersive soundscape', noting its exploration of identity through a debut performance of significant ambition and depth. Since graduating from Leeds Beckett in 2010, Barclay has established himself as a significant voice in contemporary British art, exhibiting at venues including Tate Britain, the ICA and Yorkshire Sculpture Park. He returned to Leeds Beckett three years ago as a guest lecturer at the Yorkshire Sculpture International Symposium, sharing his practice and experience with current students. Julia Kelly, Course Director for BA MA Fine Art, said: "Simeon Barclay is a true inspiration to our Fine Art student community: a unique talent in the contemporary art world whose category-defying practice reflects our commitment to innovative and engaging art works for a wide range of audiences." Barclay is one of four artists shortlisted for the 2026 prize, alongside Kira Freije, Marguerite Humeau and Tanoa Sasraku. An exhibition of all four shortlisted artists' work will be held at Teesside University's MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art) from 26 September 2026 to 29 March 2027. The winner will be announced at an award ceremony at MIMA on 10 December 2026 and will receive 25,000, with 10,000 awarded to each of the remaining shortlisted artists. Established in 1984 and named after the radical painter JMW Turner, the prize is awarded annually to a British artist for an outstanding exhibition or presentation of their work. Photo credit: Roberts Institute of Arts presents Simeon Barclay, The Ruin, Institute of Contemporary Arts, London, January 2025. Photo Anne Tetzlaff. Courtesy of the Artist Workplace.
For student Nicole Duhaney, this was an opportunity to use her experience as a professional makeup artist along with her degree learnings. Bringing together a team of five LBU students, Behind the Bloom was established to bring their Blossom Beau makeup masterclass event, where proceeds of the event will support Be More Dandelion, a charity dedicated to rebuilding confidence in women who have survived domestic abuse. After establishing the idea, the team, made up of five Event Management students, decided to apply for the Fast Forward 15 University Challenge, which involved submitting an idea and developing it into a structured, pitch-ready concept. If Behind the Bloom is selected as one of the top two teams, they will be invited to London for a final awards ceremony on 3 July. With only a few teams shortlisted for the initial stages, the students receive mentorship and industry training to deliver their event, with the winning team receiving a prize of 1000 - plus the chance to have exclusive mentoring by industry professionals. The team comprises of: Nicole Duhaneyas Event Lead Faith Adams as Operational Manager Izzy Varney as Creative Lead Ruby Crane is responsible for Marketing Operations Maddy Precious is leading on Event Styling Nicole said: "Being selected for the programme in the first place was a huge honour for us as a team, especially given the level of competition, and it really validated the strength of our idea. "It has encouraged us to approach the project in a far more entrepreneurial way, considering everything from branding and audience engagement to logistics, budgeting and long-term potential. "It's been a really valuable experience in terms of collaboration, leadership, and delivering a professional-standard event." Blossom Beau: Macys Makeup Masterclass Taking place on Sunday 26 April at Lazy Lounge, Leeds, the ticketed event invites attendees to build confidence when using makeup, from how to choose the right products to mastering techniques. Led by Macy Jade MUA, the event also includes a welcome drink, buffet, curated goodie bags and raffle prizes, with all profits being donated to the Be More Dandelion charity. Follow and support the team on their Instagram channel.
The project is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by Innovate UK. In the first six months of the KTP, the team has created: New branding and labelling throughout the business Brand new Instagram and TikTok accounts, and a refreshed Facebook account A suite of video reels to build strong social media engagement 'Too Good to Go': surprise bags that support Haighs' core sustainability principles and reduce food waste A new low-carb range - including bread, biscuits and desserts - have been developed, test marketed and are starting to be launched to new customers A unique Master Baker Experience, providing a new innovation service to 'test bake' new products for other companies To drive change within Haighs Bakery and manage the running of the KTP, LBU recruited Leeds Beckett BA (Hons) Business Management with Marketing graduate, Katie Johnson, to the role of Strategic and Digital Marketing Lead. Dr Catherine Ashworth, Academic Lead on the KTP, said: "In only six months the KTP has already brought significant value and impact to Haighs. Katie is doing a fantastic job as KTP Associate - the new Too Good to Go surprise bags are consistently selling out, and the new low-carb thins bread sold out within a week and has already achieved five-star customer reviews."
Social infertility refers to prospective parents who do not have the ability to conceive or have children due to social, relational, or environmental circumstances rather than purely physiological causes. The NICE guideline focuses on people with health-related fertility problems - people with a medical cause of infertility or who are unable to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected penile-vaginal intercourse or after six cycles of artificial insemination. Researchers from four universities and a lived-experience panel from the Online Sperm Donation Project welcome the publication of the updated NICE guideline but think it could go further. Dr Rhys Turner-Moore is a Reader in Psychology at Leeds Beckett University and leads the Economic and Social Research Council-funded Online Sperm Donation Project, which brings together researchers from Leeds Beckett, University of West Scotland, University of Manchester, Pillowfort Productions and the University of Sussex. Dr Turner-Moore said: "While it's positive that NICE has updated its guidelines around fertility treatment, by only focusing on people with health-related fertility problems they are missing a large number of people who want children but are unable to conceive without help. "We're calling on NICE to develop assessment and treatment guidelines that include all people who can't conceive without assistance because of social or relational circumstances. This includes individuals who are single or in same-sex relationships (LGBTQ+) and want children. "We think it's vital that these people have a voice and they are able to get fair access to the treatment they need as well." Same-sex couples and single individuals often have to pay for up to twelve cycles of donor insemination themselves before being able to access NHS treatment. This creates another financial barrier on top of the existing postcode lottery in the UK, which sees the amount of state-funded fertility treatment cycles varying across nations, and for England, across regions, depending on local policy. As part of the Online Sperm Donation Project, Dr Turner-Moore and his team have conducted research with recipients, partners, donors and platform owners involved in online sperm donation. In the final action research phase, people with lived experience reviewed the findings and worked with researchers to imagine and begin shaping an ideal future for online sperm donation. The donor action research group has produced a report calling for changes to regulated donor insemination, highlighting inequitable access for those experiencing social infertility and the high costs of clinical treatment. They argue that people should have genuine choice between clinical and informal online routes, but current barriers limit the clinical option for many. As one donor in the research action group explains, the costs associated with fertility treatment in clinics "reinforced for me why many intended parents look for alternative routes, and why accessibility matters". Fertility Action leads the Fertility Access campaign and is a national charity focused on driving equity, improving support and increasing education in fertility care. Katie Rollings, Founder and CEO of Fertility Action, said: "This update from NICE marks an important moment - but it also underscores how far we still have to go. Fertility care must evolve to reflect the realities of modern families. At Fertility Action, we work alongside patients every day and see the real-world impact of these policies. What people are asking for is not preferential treatment, but a system that treats them fairly. "This is a pivotal opportunity to reset the framework - by removing non-clinical barriers, introducing national consistency, and building a system that is inclusive, transparent and centred on those who need care. Because equitable access to fertility treatment is not aspirational - it should be the standard." The Progress Educational Trust (PET) is a charity which aims to improve choices for people affected by infertility and genetic conditions. Sarah Norcross, Director of the Progress Educational Trust (PET), said: "The NICE Fertility Guideline should deliver for everyone, not just people in heterosexual relationships, and the new update to the Guideline is a missed opportunity to ensure that this is the case. Four years ago, the Women's Health Strategy for England stated that the Government would work to ensure that 'Female same-sex couples are able to access NHS-funded fertility services in a more equitable way'. Neither the present Labour Government nor its Conservative predecessor has made any progress toward achieving this." PET maintains the PET NHS Fertility Funding Tracker - a regularly updated resource that enables patients, professionals and researchers to check what level of IVF treatment is funded by each of England's Integrated Care Boards.
Leeds Beckett University has once again been recognised among the world's top institutions, securing a place in the top 100 globally for sports-related and hospitality and leisure management subjects in the QS World University Rankings 2026. This marks the sixth consecutive year that these subjects have achieved this ranking. The QS World University Rankings are an internationally respected system designed to guide prospective students in choosing the best universities for their chosen fields. The 2026 edition is based on an analysis of over 18,300 university programmed taken at more than 1,700 universities around the world in 55 academic disciplines. Rankings are determined using five key indicators, including academic reputation, employer reputation and international research networks. In addition to its top 100 rankings, Leeds Beckett University holds a coveted 5-star 'excellent' rating from QS Stars, a system that assesses teaching quality, employability and internationalisation among other factors. Peter Mackreth, Dean of the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University, said: "We're delighted to have maintained our position in the top 100 universities for both sports-related and hospitality and leisure management subjects. The ranking is recognition of the continued impact our work has, through our graduates in their careers, our research and the industry partnerships we have to underpin our portfolio." Ben Sowter, QS Senior Vice President, said: "The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 highlight a global higher education landscape that is becoming both more competitive and more specialised. Institutions are increasingly building global reputations through targeted subject excellence, research collaboration and industry engagement. This year's results show that strategic investment in specific disciplines - not just overall institutional strength - is becoming a defining feature of how universities compete and gain international recognition." Find more information about the QS World University Rankings on the Top Universities website.
The conference was held at ISLA Instituto Politcnico de Gesto de Tecnologia in Vila Nova de Gaia, south of the Douro River. The university itself is a fascinating creative space, housed in a building that was once a shopping mall, with working escalators between floors, with the shop units being repurposed as classrooms and lecture theatres. The theme of the conference was employability and getting students to think reflectively about their past and strategically about their futures, to best prepare themselves whilst at university for the world of work and professional development beyond formal education. The conference was attended by 74 students from nine countries across the EU and beyond. The students participated in several academic, vocational and intercultural activities. The conference program included a first day tasting event, where students brought food from their own countries for others to try as well as a treasure hunt around the city of Porto. The academic program included lectures and seminars about employability skills development, intercultural communication, emotional intelligence, reflection and resilience. This included a special guest lecture by Kateryna Skyba from Khmelnytskyi National University in Ukraine about adaptability and resilience in times of crisis. Students worked in international teams on an experiential learning project on the theme of sustainable tourism in Porto and became tourists themselves with an organised boat trip along the Douro River. MBA student attendee Lavanya Dasari from Leeds Business School said that the event was: "A week of honest conversations with industry leaders, late-night laughs with students from every corner of the world, and in a city that somehow made it all feel cinematic. The learning was real. The connections, even more so... I left fuller in every sense of the word." Businet is a non-profit educational networking organisation that has 149 educational members across 37 countries. Businet was originally established in 1987 as a network of higher education institutions to promote and develop business education. However, since this time the network has diversified into areas besides business including arts, creative industries, health, law, media, communications, tourism, STEM, sustainability and computing, attracting members from this very diverse range of subject areas.
Heather Paul, the daughter of Gertrude and Senior Lecturer at the Carnegie School of Education has contributed research to the project. During her lifetime, Gertrude had a profound impact on the city of Leeds, being a founder of the Leeds West Indian Carnival, The United Caribbean Association, Leeds International Women's Group, the Afro-Asian Organisation, founder and first chairperson for seven years of the Leeds West Indian Centre. The project, created in collaboration with Leeds School Library Service by writer and illustrator Salomey Doku, offers a springboard for teachers and students to explore, including the challenges and triumphs of the Windrush Generation and the changing racial relations in British society. Exploring Gertrude's early life, which began in St Kitts, her journey to Leeds during the Windrush era and into her teaching career. Students will then discover more about Gertrudes legacy as a community leader. Speaking about the launch, Heather said: "Writing a book about my mother's magnificent achievements in educational and community activism during her career as a headteacher is a way for me to honour her legacy and share her inspiring story. My mother dedicated her life to making a positive difference in the lives of all children and communities, tackling inequalities, championing fairness and opportunity. Even many years after her passing, the Leeds community wanted to keep her spirit alive by sharing her journey from childhood to becoming a Headteacher with children in schools across Leeds. Through this research and storytelling, I hope to inspire young students to stand up for justice, appreciate the power of education, and remember the incredible impact one person can have in creating a better world." "I would like to thank Salomey Doku who lives here in Leeds, is a world-renowned illustrator and a published writer, also Kirsty Fenn who is a Senior Librarian at Leeds City Council Schools Library Service without whom this would not have been possible."