Leeds’ most famous butcher Malcolm Leary has spoken about the “unbelievable” moment he became “Leeds’ best looking granddad”.
Malcolm, 53, is well known in Leeds for running Malcolm Michaels Quality Butchers, which was a staple in Kirkgate Market for almost 30 years. The shop became well known for a host of charitable campaigns and a large online social media presence.
Malcom’s grandson Spencer James Riley was born on Tuesday, July 19 at 11.07am. Malcolm’s daughter Shannon Riley, 25, gave birth to Spencer, affectionately nicknamed Spenny by the family, at Pinderfield Hospital in Aberford Road, Wakefield.
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She had been in the hospital with husband Kane since 9pm the previous night. Spencer weighed in at a healthy 7 pound and 9 ounces.
The little tyke’s middle name James is taken from Shannon’s grandfather, on her mother’s side. Malcolm is now the grandfather of one and father to three, aged 22, 25 and 29.
“I’m 53. I’m the best-looking granddad in Leeds,” joked Malcolm. Speaking about how it felt to become a granddad, he said: “It felt unbelievable. Your expectations couldn’t possibly meet that moment, it goes so beyond them.
“When you meet them for the first time, it’s just incredible, amazing. He’s a little boy and he’s got more hair than me as well – I can’t believe it!
“It feels equal to when I became a dad. I wouldn’t have thought I’d ever have that feeling again - when you become a father for the first time. Especially with him being my daughter’s.
“I worried so much about my daughter when she was going through the pregnancy and now she’s and the baby have come out of it all good. It’s fantastic. All that worry is gone.”
Malcolm only met the newborn at 9pm, having “no choice” but to man his butcher shop which has relocated to Crossgates Shopping Centre. He also wanted to give the young couple space to spend time with their first child.
Kane and Shannon, live in Swillington and who owns a scaffolding business and work as a head of year teacher at a school sixth form, respectively. Malcolm has joked there’s a competition between himself and his son-in-law on Spencer’s future line of work.
“We’ve had an argument about whether he’s going to be a scaffolder or a butcher!” said the proud granddad.
Malcolm Michael’s co-owner Adrian Thorp also recently became a grandad for the first time, when little Blake came into the world on April 1. Malcolm joked a Malcolm Michaels granddad club is forming.
Malcolm added a new butcher shop in Kirkgate, Leeds city centre, is still in the works.
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