19 May 2025 Community

Yorkshire’s Elvis Dave Valentine Rocks for The Kirkwood and raises over £2,500 for the charity

Local entertainers Kim and Dave Leadbeater, both from Huddersfield, have recently raised over £2,500 for The Kirkwood, a charity close to their hearts, through a special performance by Dave’s act, Yorkshire’s Elvis Dave Valentine.

The couple, aged 65 and 61 respectively, were inspired to support the charity after the tragic loss of two close friends, aged just 44 and 59. One of the friends, Mick Wroe, was a Yorkshire Regiment veteran. The couple had previously helped raise healthcare funds doing a Skydive with Mick after he and his family suffered the devastating loss of their son Tom, who was serving in the same regiment and died aged only 18.

“We wanted to do something meaningful,” said Dave. “It’s a cause that really touched our hearts, especially after seeing what Mike and his family went through.”

Dave’s special Valentine’s performance at Lindley Liberal Club, where 150 tickets sold within the first three days, by Kim was met with enthusiastic support.

“Everyone really enjoyed the evening, it was a full house,” said Dave. “It meant a lot to be able to raise just under £2,500 for such an important cause. I have to give a special mention to Kim who is a fantastic and amazing support she really is a brilliant person who always supports me. The money we have raised is a team effort and I couldn’t have done it wothout her.”

Dave and his twin brother Michael are no strangers to the stage. Known for their Two of a Kind Everly Brothers Tribute show, they have performed in venues ranging from Huddersfield Town Hall to international stages across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Canada. As instrumentalists, they’ve played trumpet and trombone for world-class Elvis tribute shows, including at the O2 Arena and the Royal Nottingham Concert Hall and they have also played brass and backing vocals for the world number one Elvis tribute 'officially via Gracelands'. 

“We’ve had the privilege of touring the world,” said Dave. “But there’s something extra special about performing back home for a cause like The Kirkwood.”

Over the past 17 years, Kim and Dave have also been dedicated to bringing joy to elderly and ex-military audiences through their music therapy shows, an initiative that has had a profound impact on those suffering with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

“Our music therapy shows are so rewarding,” said Dave. “To see people who might otherwise be disengaged start singing, dancing, and smiling, it’s priceless. It means the world to their families and the care staff too.”

Their nostalgic repertoire featuring hits from the 1940s to the 1970s, remains a firm favourite among audiences.

Both Kim and Dave offer performances for corporate events, private functions, and care homes. For more information, visit www.yorkshireelvis.co.uk or contact them 07796 690397.