Leeds United Fan in Coma After Fall During Promotion Celebrations

09-05-2025


A 23-year-old Leeds United supporter, Ed O'Brien, is currently in a coma after falling from a tree during the club's promotion parade. The incident occurred as thousands of fans gathered to celebrate Leeds United's return to the Premier League. O'Brien, who sustained life-threatening injuries, was immediately taken to Leeds General Infirmary where he underwent surgery. His mother, Stacey Barker, has shared updates on his condition, emphasizing the seriousness of his injuries and the uncertain road to recovery ahead.

In a heartwarming response to the tragedy, a fundraiser was set up to support O'Brien and his family with the financial burdens of travel and time off work. The initial goal of £750 was quickly surpassed, with donations pouring in from the community and beyond. As of the latest update, the fundraiser has amassed nearly £10,000, a testament to the solidarity and generosity of the Leeds United fanbase and the wider community.

Among the contributors is NBA basketball player Larry Nance Jr., a known Leeds United enthusiast and investor in the club through the 49ers Enterprises. Nance Jr. donated £2,000 to the cause, leaving a message of support for O'Brien: 'Thinking of you. Strength and love! MOT.' His contribution highlights the global reach of the football community and the shared hope for O'Brien's recovery.

The organizer of the fundraiser, Harvey Rushton, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating the funds would help alleviate some of the stress on O'Brien's family during this challenging time. Stacey Barker has also thanked everyone for their kindness and support, sharing that her son's recovery will be a slow process. The incident has cast a shadow over what was a day of celebration for Leeds United, but it has also shown the strength and compassion of the football community in times of need.

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Shed Seven Marks Three Decades of 'A Maximum High' with Unique Summer 2026 Concert

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Shed Seven, the Yorkshire Britpop legends, have announced a special one-off summer 2026 performance at Halifax's Piece Hall to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their landmark 1996 album 'A Maximum High'. The band will deliver a full album performance followed by a second set of greatest hits during the Live At The Piece Hall concert series on June 6. This Halifax date will represent Shed Seven's only headline show of summer 2026, making it a particularly significant event for both the band and their dedicated fanbase.

The anniversary concert will feature special guest performances from Seb Lowe and The Guest List, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Tickets for this exclusive event are scheduled to go on general sale at 10am on Friday, October 24, available through major ticketing platforms including Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and the Piece Hall's official website. The band's return to the Halifax venue follows their previous 2021 performance at the historic courtyard, establishing a continuing relationship with the West Yorkshire location.

'A Maximum High' represented a defining moment in Shed Seven's career, reaching the UK top 10 and selling more than 250,000 copies while spawning five Top 40 singles. Band frontman Rick Witter expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration, stating the band is 'looking forward to giving A Maximum High the birthday party it deserves' and noting particular excitement about 'revisiting some of the songs we haven't played for decades.' The event promises to attract fans from across the country for what organizers describe as a 'one night only' celebratory event.

Shed Seven joins a diverse lineup of artists scheduled for the 2026 Live At The Piece Hall series, including Embrace, Ethel Cain, David Gray, Billy Ocean, Opeth and The Ks. The band's upcoming schedule also includes appearances at the Isle Of Wight Festival in June, featuring headliners Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure, followed by a supporting performance for Richard Ashcroft at Englefield Estate in Berkshire as part of the Heritage Live series in July. Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL, CEO of The Piece Hall Charitable Trust, emphasized the significance of hosting these 'Yorkshire heroes' back at the venue for this milestone celebration.