Students and colleagues formed a guard of honour for Sir Kevin at the stadium, marking a special moment in the challenge for the two-time Leeds Beckett graduate and Honorary Doctor of the university. Sir Kevin was joined on the trail by former Leeds Rhinos star Jamie Jones-Buchanan and football pundit and former England international Micah Richards, as the 7 in 7 team continued the fourth day of the Grand Finale. Sir Kevin began 7 in 7: The Grand Finale with his team in Hull on Sunday 27 September. Together, they are completing an ultra-marathon every day for seven consecutive days. The challenge will take the team to all 12 English Super League grounds before finishing at Old Trafford on Saturday 3 October, ahead of the Betfred Super League Grand Final. The Grand Finale marks a culmination of seven years of fundraising challenges, which have raised millions of pounds and brought national attention to MND, and the people and families affected by the disease. For the university, it is also an opportunity to celebrate a long-standing relationship with Sir Kevin that goes far beyond sponsorship. Over the years, colleagues from across the university have supported Sir Kevin and his team in a variety of ways, from sports science, performance testing and training guidance to route planning and practical support on the road. The university has also hosted events supporting Kevin's fundraising and the wider MND community. Pete Mackreth, Dean of the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University, is on the road with Sir Kevin and the team for the Grand Finale. He said: Being part of Sir Kevin's journey over the years has been an enormous privilege. We've seen first-hand the determination that goes into every challenge, but we've also seen something much bigger, the way he has brought people together around the MND community. Leeds Beckett has been proud to support Kevin in many ways over the years, whether that's through the expertise of our sports scientists, helping with preparations and routes, or being there as part of the team on the road. What has always driven everyone involved is the reason behind these challenges. Every mile is about people living with MND and their families. As we take on this final 7 in 7 challenge, that's very much at the front of our minds. Funds from the Grand Finale will be shared between charities supporting people affected by MND across the UK and Republic of Ireland, with the MND Association the main beneficiary. The impact of Kevin and the team's fundraising is already being felt in MND research and in creating more opportunities for people living with the disease to participate in clinical trials. Dr Mike Rogers, Director of Research Innovation at the MND Association, said: Sir Kevin Sinfields 7 in 7 challenges really demonstrate what extraordinary teamwork and determination can achieve particularly when it comes to fighting a disease like MND. The money Sir Kevin and the team has raised on behalf of the MND Association is now driving nine research projects and has helped us to establish our research nurse network, giving people with MND the opportunity to take part in clinical trials much more easily. This is real progress which will continue to have a lasting impact on the work we do. More importantly, it offers real hope for a world free from MND. Thank you, Sir Kevin we couldnt be more grateful for your support. Each day of the Grand Finale is divided into 7km blocks. The challenge also includes the Extra Mile, giving members of the MND community the opportunity to join Kevin and his team to complete a mile together and ensuring that people affected by the disease remain at the heart of the challenge. Motor neurone disease is a fatal, rapidly progressing neurological disease. Six people are diagnosed with MND every day and six people die from the disease. There is currently no cure. MND attacks and damages the nerves that carry messages to the muscles. Within months, a person may lose their voice, movement and, ultimately, their ability to breathe. A third of people with MND die within a year of diagnosis and more than half within two years. The disease can affect people from all backgrounds and of all ages, although it is more prevalent in men and the risk increases with age. If you would like to support Sir Kevin Sinfield in his challenge, please donate here.
The ceremony took place in the Rose Bowl on Leeds Becketts City Campus, with the students, who have all completed a BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing, BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (Degree Apprenticeship), BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing or BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing (Degree Apprenticeship), and their guests gathering to mark the special occasion. Congratulatory and inspirational messages from nursing staff and Leeds Beckett nursing alumni were played on screens in the venue. The event was opened by Professor Duncan Sharp, the Dean of Leeds Beckett Universitys School of Health. He welcomed the cohort and their guests and explained the meaning of the pins: The pinning ceremony is a time-honoured tradition in nursing, representing not only the completion of rigorous academic study and clinical training, but also the deep commitment to service, compassion and professionalism that define the nursing profession. The pin that each of our nurses will receive today was designed by one of our alumni. The pin symbolises qualification as a nurse but is also much more than a symbol; it marks the moment our graduates step into the proud and trusted role of registered nurse, carrying forward the values of integrity, care, and advocacy for patients and communities. At the School of Health, we are proud of our reputation for preparing nurses who not only demonstrate clinical excellence, but also embody the values of inclusivity, resilience, and leadership. Ashley Bhebhe, one of the 2026 nursing cohort, said: Today isnt just about getting a pin. Its about everything that pin represents - the hard work, the laughs, the difficult days, the people weve met, and the nurses weve become. Nigel Chideya, another of the cohort, added: Over the course of three years, I have had the opportunity to learn a lot about care and respect. These are important aspects of life because they are important for everyday living. Mental health has taught me to be more compassionate and patient not only with others but with myself as my own health is just as important as any others. Watching myself grow over three years and become not just a man but a mental health nurse, thats managed to secure a job means a lot to me my friends and family. The cohort heard from several speakers providing inspirational messages, including Steph Lawrence MBE, an Honorary Graduate of Leeds Beckett University and Chief Executive of the Queens Institute of Community Nursing (QICN). Today is a milestone you will never forget the day when you stepped forwards as registered nurses, ready to make your mark on the lives of patients, families, carers, colleagues and communities. My message to you today is this nursing will challenge you, but it will also lift you. It will ask a great deal of you, but it will give you moments of meaning that will stay with you for life. Be open to opportunities when they come. Please remember that you are not only the future of nursing, but you are also its present from today your voice matters, your observations matter and your compassion matters. Find out more about studying nursing at Leeds Beckett.
A new study led by Dr Steve Taylor, a senior lecturer in Psychology at Leeds Beckett University, has looked at the different types of life purpose and how they relate to happiness. There are seven types of life purpose: No purpose a sense that life lacks direction, meaning, or an overarching goal Survival - focusing primarily on meeting basic needs such as food, shelter, safety and security Religious - finding direction through religious faith or another established framework of meaning Personal focused on pursuing wealth,career success, status or achievement Altruistic - focusing on helping others, reducing suffering or contributing positively to society Self-expansive - seeking personal growth, creativity, learning, fulfilment and the development of one's potential Transpersonal - experiencing purpose as something larger than the individual - something that seems to flow through a person rather than being consciously created by them. This type of purpose is often associated with a spiritual orientation. The most common types of purpose of those who took part were self-expansive and altruistic. People who reported they had no purpose and who were focused on survival were the least happy. Those with a transpersonal purpose were the happiest overall with women being more likely than men to be oriented around this type of purpose. Transpersonal purpose also became more common with age. In contrast, young people were more likely to identify with a personal-accumulative purpose which was focused on achievement. Older people were less oriented around a personal-accumulative purpose. Dr Steve Taylor said: The participants responses gave a powerful insight into how people experience purpose in different ways. This shows that the kind of purpose we hold not only shapes our happiness but also changes across our lives. Those who reported no sense of purpose tended to report substantially lower levels of happiness. Survival purpose was also strongly negatively associated with happiness. Transpersonal purpose was strongly associated with happiness. A self-expansive purpose was linked to happiness too, although to a lesser degree. In contrast, people with a personal-accumulative purpose - the pursuit of wealth, career success, status and achievement -reported a lower level of happiness. These findings are significant in that they contradict the standard cultural assumption that happiness stems from achievement, success and wealth. Our study found that a focus on self-development and a transpersonal purpose is much more likely to bring happiness. In other words, making accumulation and achievement the central organising purpose of life does not provide the same psychological benefits as growth, contribution or a sense of connection.
What is the PALS scheme? The Law School at Leeds Beckett University have launched a Peer-Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS), which pairs second and third-year students (Student Leaders) with first-year students (Student Learners) to offer support with their first 12 months transitioning to university. Through the scheme, Student Leaders meet with their Student Learners to provide advice and guidance on a wide range of topics: from academic study skills and the universitys academic/vocational offerings, right through to joining social clubs and helping them to find the nearest local supermarket. PALS is intended to assist Student Learners with what can sometimes be a daunting and overwhelming transition into university life, while enhancing the transferable skills and employability of the Student Leaders. Hear from the students: Why we got involved in the scheme Vicki and Max Second Year LLB Law Students We both became mentors because we wanted to give something back to the Law School and create the student support network we wished we had when we were first years. Having already experienced many of the challenges that come with studying law, we were keen to help newer students get a better understanding of the course and develop early confidence in their studies. Ryhan First Year Law Student I first discovered the PALS scheme at the Law School Induction Fair. At that point in the year, I was still adjusting to university life and beginning to realise how different studying law at degree level is compared to anything Id done before. Starting a law degree can feel overwhelming. When I learned about the scheme, it immediately stood out as an opportunity to gain guidance and honest, practical advice from students whod recently been through the same experience. What our PALS experience has involved: Vicki and Max We focused on creating a supportive, informal environment with our first-year students, where we could have open discussions about studying law and being a student in general. We discussed study techniques, ways to approach legal problem questions and essays, managing workload, preparing for assessments - as well as helping mentees find work experience and opportunities within the Law School. The sessions have been very collaborative, making it easier to learn from each other and build confidence when approaching different areas of the course. Its been a big boost to see that the students who consistently attended sessions and took our advice on board have really benefited. One of these students is Ryhan... Ryhan The sessions have supported my understanding of studying law, with practical advice on topics like approaching problem questions and essays, managing workload and preparing for assessments. It has also helped me personally. Moving away from home and starting university can be a huge transition. Having mentors who understood both the academic pressures of a law degree and the wider experience of being a student made it much easier to settle into the Law School and to feel more confident. What weve gained from the scheme: Max and Vicki The scheme has allowed us to build leadership, mentoring and communication skills that will help us throughout our own academic journeys when applying for training contracts or pupillages. Its been great to be part of a pioneer scheme, and were excited to see how it builds. Ryhan Having mentors that have already been through the student experience is invaluable. Theyve been extremely approachable and generous with their time, always willing to share their experiences and offer honest advice. Would we recommend the scheme? Max, Vicki and Ryhan Definitely! For students considering becoming leaders, its an incredible opportunity to develop valuable skills such as mentoring, teamwork and communication, while also making a positive impact on other students academic journeys and strengthening future applications. For learners, the scheme provides a supportive space to ask questions, gain advice from experienced students, build confidence in studying law and make connections that last beyond your academic journey.
Leeds Digital Festival is one of the UKs largest open-platform technology festivals, celebrating digital innovation across all sectors including AI, data, FinTech and HealthTech. Each year, the festival brings together businesses, educators, innovators and communities through a programme of more than 200 events designed to inspire collaboration, knowledge-sharing and skills development. Taking place at The Knowledge Exchange in the Rose Bowl at city campus, this years programme will explore topics including early careers in tech, digital adoption for business and leading confidently in an AI-enabled world. Exploring careers in tech A number of events will focus on helping people navigate pathways into the technology sector. Decode Your Future: Early Careers in Digital Tech on 22 September will bring together speakers from Leeds Beckett University, Claranet, Skipton Group, Buttercrumble and FDM Group to share insights into career routes, personal journeys and opportunities within todays digital landscape. Discovering Digital Degree Apprenticeships on 28 September will provide practical information on the benefits of degree apprenticeships for employers, exploring how organisations can develop future talent and strengthen digital capabilities. Ctrl+Alt Career on 29 September brings together career experts from The British Library, Genio, Enablis, Sentiri and Ascending Motherhood to discuss career changes, non-linear career journeys and how to build a successful future in tech and digital industries. Supporting digital business growth Delivered in partnership with Leeds Beckett University and Leeds City Council, Living Lab: Digital Adoption for Business Growth on 23 September will explore how businesses can harness the benefits of technology to transform operations, develop new products, enhance customer experience and unlock new commercial opportunities. Leeds Beckett #WECAN programme's #WECAN Event: AI Confident Leadership on 30 September will provide managers, HR professionals, change practitioners and business owners an opportunity to explore how organisations can embrace AI with confidence while keeping people, trust and good decision-making at the heart of organisations. Developing skills and connections Bytes Brews: Digital Tech Business Breakfast Networking on 22 September will bring together professionals from across the digital sector to connect, share ideas and expand their networks over breakfast. Charlotte Rainey, Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Events at Leeds Beckett University said: We are delighted to be hosting Leeds Digital Festival events at Leeds Beckett University again this year, and proud to be bronze sponsors. Weve worked closely with the festival for several years and have seen firsthand the impact it has on the city and wider region, bringing together businesses, educators, innovators and communities to share ideas, build connections and create opportunities. This years programme reflects the breadth of Leeds digital and technology ecosystem, from supporting people into digital careers and developing future talent, to helping businesses embrace new technologies and navigate an increasingly AI-enabled world. Were really excited to be part of the festival again and to welcome people from across the region to Leeds Beckett. All events are open to all and free to attend. Find out more about this years Leeds Digital Festival programme at Leeds Beckett University.
The 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) through Innovate UK, will see LBU business and data science experts work with Ardent to develop an intelligent business system to improve operational efficiency, support growth, and enable data-driven decision-making. Ardent Limited is a specialist supplier of fire protection and electronic safety systems. The company designs, manufactures, supplies, installs and services its products in the UK and internationally. Dr Alfred Chinta, Head of Degree Apprenticeships in Leeds Business School and project leader, explained: Through the new KTP, we will support Ardents growth ambitions by developing and embedding an intelligent system to improve business operations, and enable data-driven decisions, greater efficiency and more sustainable performance. The system will optimise how Ardent delivers its services and manages its existing portfolio, while lowering operational emissions. This capability is expected to increase productivity and net profit margins, and to support international expansion by leveraging data and existing resources. This is the second KTP between LBU and Ardent the first project was completed in 2025 and embedded a new international marketing strategy and corporate culture into Ardent. The project was awarded the highest possible grading of Outstanding from Innovate UK, and KTP Associate, Stephanie Leung, has now been made a permanent member of the Ardent team, continuing to embed and progress the KTP legacy. Matt Lewindon, Managing Director of Ardent Limited, said: Following the success of our first KTP, we're delighted to be continuing our partnership with Leeds Beckett University. This project supports an important part of Ardent's growth strategy, helping us explore new ways to improve efficiency and build greater scalability into our operations. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships provide a unique opportunity to combine academic expertise with real-world business challenges. We're excited to work with the Leeds Beckett team to embed new knowledge and capabilities within Ardent, strengthening our business for the future and supporting continued innovation across the manufacturing sector. An experienced graduate will be recruited to manage the project as a KTP Associate. The role, Business Systems Lead, will be a full-time member of the Ardent team, with full support of the LBU academics. For more information and to apply for the role, please visit the LBU Jobs website. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 23 September 2026. The full LBU KTP team consists of: Dr Alfred Chinta, Course Director in Leeds Business School; Dr Adekunle Oke, Senior Lecturer in Operations and Supply Chain Management, Leeds Business School; Dr Farrukh Saleem, Senior Lecturer in AI and Data Science in the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing.
Leeds Beckett Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Slee has taken the role of Yorkshire Universities (YU) Chair. Professor Slee will bring his significant experience in senior leadership roles, and expertise in strategic planning and education policy, to lead the regional partnership at a time when devolution has become increasingly pivotal to the Governments plans for economic growth. Professor Slee will play a central role in the delivery of the YU 20252030 Strategy, working closely with the YU Board, member institutions, partners, stakeholders, and local and national government, to champion Yorkshire: amplifying regional strengths, unlocking new ideas and investment, and driving place-based impacts. Speaking about his appointment, Professor Peter Slee said: With the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, putting local and regional growth, devolution, and place-based policy, at the heart of the UKs economic agenda, there is a significant opportunity for YU to ensure that the regions universities are central to realising the Governments ambitions. By drawing on the wealth of expertise and capabilities across our member institutions, and strengthening our partnerships with industry, business, public sector, and local communities, I am confident that we can continue to unlock new opportunities, support increased prosperity and well-being and make a positive difference to people and places within and across Yorkshire. Professor Peter Slee succeeds Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor at the University of York, who served as YU Chair before taking up a new position as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton. Welcoming Professor Slee as the new YU Chair, YU Executive Director, Dr Peter OBrien, said: I would like to congratulate Peter Slee on taking up the position of YU Chair. YUs mission and strategy are closely aligned with the devolution agenda, and I look forward to working with Peter to ensure that YU becomes even more effective and impactful in the new policy landscape. Peters longstanding commitment to Leeds, and to Yorkshire, and his visionary leadership within the sector, will be a real asset to us at this pivotal moment. I would also like to thank Charlie Jeffery for his leadership as YU Chair, and I wish him well in his new role at the University of Southampton.
The findings are published in a new Online Harms in Football report from Fair Game, supported by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Football. The report draws on the 2026 APPG for Football inquiry into online harms and examines the experiences of people across the full football ecosystem. The research finds that online abuse is getting worse, it is affecting wellbeing (83% reported a negative impact) and stopping people participating at all levels with female players receiving more abuse than men. About the work, Professor Dan Kilvington says: "The report highlights that urgent action is needed to ensure that football, as a whole, is a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, across all its forms and every level. "There are concerning statistics, including that 68% of Premier League players received online abuse during the 2021-2022 season." "It also uncovered that it was unequal in nature and impact: female players (across all leagues) are 29% more likely to be targeted than men, and 60% of women supporters who experienced abuse reported identity-based hate speech, compared with 23% of men." Professor Tom Fletcher adds: "The report has shown that many footballers now view online abuse as a normal part of their working lives. When abuse becomes something players expect to endure, it stops being challenged and starts becoming embedded in the culture of the game. "Partners, parents, children and other family members are also often drawn into the abuse, spreading the impact beyond the individual target and creating fear, anxiety and distress for those closest to them. "Through education at every level of football, we can help players, supporters and organisations recognise that online harm is not an inevitable consequence of sport, but a safeguarding issue that can and should be prevented." The full report, including its six key findings and proposed STEP-UP framework to address the issues, is accessible to read on the Fair Game website. It concludes "those participating in the game should be afforded the same expectation of safety within the digital stadium as they are within the physical one." The report was co-authored by Professor Thomas Fletcher, Professor of Sociology of Sport at Leeds Beckett University, and Professor Daniel Kilvington, Professor of Media and Culture at Leeds Beckett University, alongside researchers from Sheffield Hallam University and Loughborough University.
In August, students from Leeds School of Arts took their work to Oxfams Headingley shop, displaying pieces created entirely from second-hand clothing and textiles that would otherwise have gone unsold. Now in its second year, the collaboration gives students the opportunity to work with existing materials and explore how sustainable approaches can inspire the design process. Rather than treating sustainability as a standalone element of their studies, the project helps embed circular thinking into the way students approach fashion, encouraging them to see unwanted garments not as waste, but as the starting point for something new. Four students at different stages of their studies took part in the latest project. Joyce Kotei, who graduated this summer, recently won the Leeds Beckett University Accelerator programme, receiving 1,000 in seed funding to support the launch of her own fashion brand. Fellow graduate Brad Smith has already taken his work with Oxfam to a national audience, showcasing his designs at London Fashion Week. Juliet Skaife is continuing her relationship with Oxfam as she begins a placement year with the charity this September, while Alice Palazon is entering the second year of her course and already runs her own sustainable bag brand alongside her studies. Each student worked with clothing that could no longer be sold in its original form, transforming the materials into new, wearable pieces. The collaboration with Oxfam is now entering its third year, with sustainability continuing to shape the Leeds Beckett Fashion course.
Carried out ahead of this year's A-Level Results Day, the national research conducted with 500 senior employers by Opinion Matters and Leeds Beckett University found that 77% believe recruiting university graduates will be essential as part of their future workforce strategy. The findings also highlight the long-term value employers place on graduates. Nearly nine in ten (87%) said graduates are helping their organisations tackle skills shortages, while seven in ten (71%) believe graduates deliver greater value in the workplace than non-graduates entering similar roles. Beyond technical knowledge, employers say graduates are valued for the versatile skills they bring into the workplace. Almost half (47%) identified problem-solving as the most valuable skill graduates offer, while nearly a third (29%) said transferable skills such as communication, teamwork and adaptability are what they value most. More than a third (38%) also said graduates' ability to learn quickly gives them an advantage over other applicants, while the same proportion highlighted digital skills as a key strength. While subject knowledge remains important, employers are increasingly looking beyond academic achievement alone. Nine in ten (90%) employers said a graduate's degree subject is important when recruiting for graduate-level roles, although fewer than one in five (18%) said it is extremely important. The research also found that 38% of employers value creativity as a graduate attribute, suggesting businesses are increasingly seeking candidates who can bring fresh thinking to a rapidly changing workplace. Practical experience also remains a key factor in graduate employability. More than nine in ten employers (93%) said work placements or industry experience completed during university are important or essential when recruiting graduates, reinforcing the value of degree programmes that combine academic learning with real-world experience. With A-Level Results Day just around the corner, the research offers insight into the decisions many students will soon be making. From considering university to exploring opportunities through Clearing, the findings paint a picture of a labour market that continues to place significant value on graduates, particularly those who can demonstrate the wider skills and practical experience employers increasingly demand. Commenting on the research, Professor Peter Slee, Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Beckett University, said: "As students prepare to receive their A-Level results and consider their next steps, it's important they understand what employers are looking for and the opportunities available to them. "Whether students secure their first-choice university, explore alternative options through Clearing, or are still weighing up different pathways, this research shows that employers continue to place significant value on graduates and the skills developed through higher education. "Businesses are telling us they need people who can solve problems, think critically, adapt to change and continue learning throughout their careers. These are exactly the kinds of capabilities that universities help students develop alongside subject knowledge and industry experience." One organisation seeing the benefits of graduate talent first-hand is Leeds Rhinos, where Leeds Beckett alumni form an important part of the workforce, bringing valuable skills and experience to roles across the club. Rob Oates, Managing Director at Leeds Rhinos, said: "Graduates play an important role across our organisation, bringing strong problem-solving skills, adaptability and a willingness to learn. In a fast-paced environment like professional sport, these qualities are invaluable, helping us address skills needs across the business. Our close relationship with Leeds Beckett University continues to provide us with talented individuals who make a real difference on and off the field."
Current scholarship athletes, alumni and athletes supported through the University's Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) and Leeds Talent Hub represented England, Scotland, Wales, Jamaica and the Isle of Man across gymnastics, athletics, netball, swimming, cycling and weightlifting. Leeds Beckett alumna and Honorary Graduate Emily Campbell successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women's +86kg weightlifting, retaining her gold medal with a record-breaking 163kg clean and jerk. Having graduated from Leeds Beckett just two weeks before the Games, scholarship athlete Luke Whitehouse enjoyed a memorable campaign for Team England, claiming gold in the men's floor exercise, silver in the vault and helping England secure team silver in the men's artistic gymnastics competition. Leeds Beckett alumna Kadeena Cox added another Commonwealth medal to her collection with silver in the women's C4-5 kilo, producing a four-second personal best in front of a home crowd. Jade O'Dowda, supported through the Leeds Talent Hub, claimed silver in the heptathlon after an impressive all-round performance. Jamaica netball players and Leeds Beckett alumni Brie Grierson and Rhea Dixon helped their side to a silver medal after an outstanding tournament. Leeds Beckett alumnus David Mullarkey made history for the Isle of Man, securing bronze in the men's 10,000m to claim the nation's first-ever Commonwealth Games athletics medal. After being called into Team England from the reserve list, Leeds Beckett scholarship athlete Shanna-Kae Grant made her Commonwealth Games debut and helped England claim bronze in the women's artistic gymnastics team event. Several athletes also made their mark with memorable performances and milestone achievements. Scholarship athlete Harry Eyres impressed on his Commonwealth Games debut for the Isle of Man, qualifying for the men's all-around final. TASS-supported gymnasts Elliott Vernon and Henry Lewis represented Wales along with Scholarship athlete Connor Sullivan for Scotland in their first major international all-around competition, while Leeds Beckett alumnus Alex Botterill narrowly missed the podium with a fifth-place finish in the men's 800m final. Leeds Beckett is proud to support athletes at different stages of their sporting journeys through initiatives including its scholarship programme, Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) and Leeds Talent Hub. These programmes provide tailored support such as strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, nutrition, performance lifestyle guidance and access to world-class facilities, helping athletes balance the demands of elite sport alongside their studies and personal development. Congratulations to all the athletes who represented their nations in Glasgow and showcased their talent on the Commonwealth stage.
In SolidAHRity/In SolidAHRitt, created by Dr Anne Schiffer, Reader in Design at Leeds Beckett University, opened at Hold Fast Bookshop at Leeds Dock on Thursday and will run until at least 5 August. The exhibition reflects on the catastrophic flooding that hit the Ahr Valley in western Germany in July 2021. Drawing on personal observations and interviews with residents gathered over the past five years, it explores how the disaster has reshaped people's relationships with the river, the landscape and each other. Dr Schiffer grew up on the banks of the River Ahr and continues to visit the area regularly to see family and friends, with her experiences informing both her research and creative practice. She said: "Having grown up in the Ahr Valley and now living in Yorkshire, bringing this exhibition from the River Ahr to the River Aire feels especially meaningful to me." Alongside the exhibition, a fundraising campaign is supporting a disaster relief organisation that provided vital access to clean water in the aftermath of the floods. The appeal has already raised more than 850. The exhibition catalogue was designed by Leeds Beckett BA (Hons) Graphic Design graduate Ella Dorrington, with support from colleagues Tom Rogers and Ashleigh Armitage. Ella said: "In terms of inspiration, Anne's in-depth research really drove the visual designs. The content needed to be easily legible, and a lot of information had to sit on the page along with large images that told the visual story of what happened. The system had to be relatively simple in terms of layout to ensure the information was easily readable in both German and English. Since the subject matter was quite sensitive, it also made sense to make sure the images were the main focus and not the design itself as that would take away from people's experiences and Anne's research of the disaster." Visitors can also attend a screening of the Climate Emergency Briefing, hosted by Hold Fast Bookshop, which features the Ahr Valley floods as part of a wider discussion about climate change and resilience. Dr Schiffer's research uses people-centred design to explore lived experiences of resource scarcity, with a focus on improving equitable access to energy and water. Her work combines research, storytelling and design to better understand how communities respond to environmental change. In SolidAHRity/In SolidAHRitt is open at Hold Fast Bookshop, Leeds Dock, until 5 August, with the possibility of an extended run. Admission is free. The digital exhibition catalogue is available online, and donations to the accompanying fundraiser continue to support disaster relief efforts in the Ahr Valley.