LEEDS United legend Eddie Gray has helped raise thousands of pounds for a community theatre.
The football icon took centre stage at Guiseley Theatre on Thursday, October 8, for a sold-out fundraiser organised by Leeds North West MP Katie White, drawing a crowd of 250 fans and raising £3,500 to support the venue’s ongoing improvements.
Ms White said: "There's a reason they call Eddie 'Mr Leeds.'
"He's absolutely loved by this city, and it's not just because of what he achieved on the pitch.
"It's the time he gives to people, the stories he shares, and everything he continues to do for Leeds United and its fans.
"It was such a brilliant evening.
"To have 250 people packed into Guiseley Theatre, listening to Eddie's stories, laughing together, and raising £3,500 for a fantastic local cause was really special.
"I'm so grateful to Eddie for giving up his time and helping us raise this money."
During the evening, Mr Gray reminisced about his playing days under Don Revie, shared insights into Leeds United’s golden era, and spoke movingly about his late son Stuart, who also became a professional footballer but died of cancer in 2024, at the age of 50.
Eddie Gray, with Katie White MP and Lewis Deighton a Leeds United content creator (Image: submitted)
The funds raised will go towards the theatre’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and upgrade backstage facilities as part of its "Backstage Challenge" campaign.
Jacob Phillips, managing director of Guiseley Theatre, said: "For a community theatre like ours, £3,500 makes a real difference, and we're incredibly grateful to Eddie, Katie, and everyone who came along to support the evening.
"It was fantastic to see the theatre packed out, full of laughter and conversation, and the building doing exactly what it should be doing—bringing people together."
Mr Phillips explained that the money raised will help the venue welcome bigger and better productions in the future.
He said: "The money raised will go towards our Backstage Challenge, helping us make much-needed improvements to our stage and backstage facilities.
"These upgrades will allow us to welcome bigger and better productions to Guiseley, bringing even more fantastic live entertainment to our local community."
Ms White also spoke about her commitment to supporting the theatre long-term.
She said: "Guiseley Theatre is one of those brilliant local institutions that deserves all the support we can give it.
"It's a wonderful building, run by people who care enormously about its future, and I'm determined to keep supporting their fundraising efforts so it can be enjoyed by generations to come."