Leeds United and Yorkshire Cancer Research have teamed up with Yorkshire Post illustrator Graeme Bandeira to create a special limited-edition Christmas card.

The unique illustration features a wintry scene at Elland Road, with the iconic Billy Bremner statue sporting a blue Santa hat and Yorkshire Cancer Research’s rose embellishing the East Stand.

Leeds United announced a new partnership with Yorkshire Cancer Research in September, aiming to raise awareness of the world-leading research taking place across the region to help more people avoid and survive cancer.

The cards will be available to purchase online and will also be sold in all five Leeds United stores across the city if they are able to reopen before Christmas following the second coronavirus lockdown in England.

Harrogate-based artist Graeme has recently achieved national exposure for his poignant illustrations capturing life during the coronavirus pandemic. His series of illustrations looking back at Yorkshire’s historic football grounds has also received widespread acclaim.  

Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “We were keen to mark our partnership with Leeds United in a special way and offer the fans an opportunity to celebrate Christmas while raising money to save lives in Yorkshire.

“Inviting Graeme to design our Christmas card felt like the perfect choice. We hope Leeds United supporters will love it as much as we do.”

Graeme said: “It's been an absolute pleasure to join forces with two Yorkshire icons and it being for such a great cause too.”

Paul Bell, Executive Director at Leeds United, added: “Christmas is always a special time of the year and it’s fantastic that we’re able to mark the occasion this season with our Official Charity Partner, Yorkshire Cancer Research.

“The exclusive Christmas cards will be available to purchase online for now and we know our supporters will get behind the initiative, with money raised from the sales helping to support the world-leading research taking place to help more people survive cancer.”

The Christmas cards are available in packs of five. To buy online, visit https://shop.leedsunited.com/CAR20004.

Graeme Bandeira’s original Christmas card artwork is being auctioned to raise vital funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research. Bidding is now live on the charity’s eBay store and will end at 6pm on Sunday, November 22^nd.

To make a bid and help save lives in Yorkshire, visit https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LEEDS-UNITED-Graeme-Bandeira-Original-Artwork-for-Yorkshire-Cancer-Research-/324367115327