We learned that Leon Shakespeare, a great local character and long time Tae Kwon Do group runner passed away recently.
Master Leon ran his group for decades at Castleland, offering one of the few local activities available for kids and adults together, always aiming to keep it an affordable option and making time for anyone who needed it.
Effortlessly charming and funny, his surprisingly soft voice always commanded respect, especially amongst the young people. He was always willing to contribute at our Fundays with Martial Arts displays to showcase his student’s talents.
His generosity was always present, wanting to give back wherever he could. After we put him forward for an Act of Kindness award at ITV’s Paul O’Grady show, not long after charming the nation, he promptly took the money and invested it in new equipment, mats and lockers for his Tae Kwon Do group which he gifted to the centre for the general use of everyone.
That’s just the type of guy he was.
He did so many more wonderful things in his life, but in our small sphere he certainly left an impact.
Our thoughts are with his family friends during this difficult time.
The Castleland Team
