Janine GriffithsA new blue plaque celebrating Seacroft born Olympic swimmer Doris Storey has been unveiled on York Road, marking her achievements nearly ninety years after she first competed on the world stage.
The plaque sits outside The Gym Group York Road and recognises the life of a local athlete who rose from East Leeds to represent Great Britain at the 1936 Summer Olympics. Doris went on to win two gold medals at the British Empire Games at just 19 years old.
Councillor Luke Farley joined representatives from Leeds Civic Trust, fellow councillors Nkele Manaka and Asghar Khan, Doris’ family, supporters and Jeremy Burton, whose grandfather ran the well known Burton’s factory, for the unveiling.
Councillor Farley said in a statement: “It was a pleasure for my colleagues and I to join Leeds Civic Trust to unveil a new blue plaque to commemorate Doris Storey.
“I hope that the plaque and Doris’ story will inspire young people across the ward. As ward councillors we were also proud to make a small contribution to the cost of the plaque.”
Doris Storey’s plaque marks the Trust’s 208th unveiling and continues its work to highlight the people and places that have shaped the city.
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