Chris Kamara awarded Freedom of Wakefield at emotional ceremony
Freedom of the City is the highest honour Wakefield Council can give to an individual or organisation
Chris Kamara has been awarded Freedom of Wakefield in recognition of his services to charity and the city .
The ex-professional football player and Sky Sports pundit was awarded the honour by Wakefield Mayor Josie Pritchard at a ceremony on Wednesday (May 15).
There were emotional scenes at County Hall as his friends, members of his family and political leaders paid tribute to him.
Chris, who attended the ceremony with wife Anne, children and grandchildren struggled to hold back tears as he accepted the award.
He said: “This is the longest we have lived anywhere.
“I was a bit of a nomad as a footballer. I really didn’t settle.
“So for us to be here for 34 years in Wakefield shows that it is really a great place.
“I was born and bred in Middlesbrough, and I’m proud of that, but Wakefield is my home.
“I am humbled and grateful. I don’t feel worthy. But what an honour. Thank you so much for making it a memorable day.”
Afterwards he said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been awarded Freedom of the City of Wakefield. It’s been an absolutely unbelievable day!
“I’m blown away by it, this honour really means the world to me.”
Wakefield Mayor Josie Pritchard said: “Chris is a local and national legend and an inspiration to so many people.
“We are absolutely delighted to have given him the highest honour we can bestow – Freedom of the City.
“He has been a massive supporter of many charities, raising millions and making a difference to the lives of many.
“Locally, he is an active supporter of Wakefield Hospice, Andy’s Man Club and Pinderfields Hospital, to name but a few.”
Freedom of the City is the highest honour Wakefield Council can give to an individual or organisation that has served in some exceptional capacity.
It is a ceremonial recognition of their role and the contribution they have made.