26 Mar 2026
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a community champion who turned personal tragedy into a campaign for mental health.
Park Street resident Leanda “Landy” Kelly passed away on Sunday following a short battle with cancer.
She had lost her beloved children Tanya and Steve Kordek to suicide in 2018 and 2023, when they were both just 44.
After Tanya’s death following a long struggle with her own mental health, Leanda began planning a fundraising event on behalf of various local mental health charities, encouraging people to have a semi-colon tattoo to represent a story which could have been ended but wasn’t.
The symbol has taken on a meaning of hope and prevention for those experiencing suicidal feelings or those affected by suicide, reflecting how someone is able to choose their own ending.
When the Covid pandemic hit the Stop and Talk tattoo project was postponed for several years, during which time Leanda’s son Steve took his own life in July 2023.
In the wake of this second tragedy she arranged for more than 300 people to be inked at Pure Colours Tattoo studio on Hatfield Road in June 2024, donating £25 for the privilege.
The event raised more than £7,400 for mental health charities including Saneline and Mind in Mid Herts, plus St Albans Action for Homeless.
She told the St Albans Times: “I couldn’t physically save my children. But if we could save someone else’s children somehow that would be amazing.
“Too many children don’t reach out but when they do they need somebody there to hold their hand and walk them out of the darkness.
“I hope that this campaign and the impact of the semi-colon tattoo raises conversations and awareness and lots of money.”
Later that year Leanda hosted music event Dance the Dragonfly at The Pioneer, featuring 10 local DJs and raising another £5,000 for the three charities, and has continued her fundraising activities over the past few years.
On Sunday evening her husband Richard posted the news of her death on social media, prompting an outpouring of grief from the many people she knew both locally and further afield.
He said: “With great sadness today my soul mate, the most selfless, caring, loving human I have ever known lost her fight and fell asleep for the final time. I know how many lives she touched and how many people she loved, cared for and took under her wing.”
Sharron Linney, community action officer with St Albans Action for Homeless said: “Today we mourn the loss of a true angel among us. Her selfless heart and unwavering compassion touched countless lives, providing love and care to those who need it most.
“Her devotion to the homeless, the unloved, the most vulnerable in our community was limitless. Heaven has truly gained an angel.”
Tattooist ‘Phil the Drill’, formerly of Pure Colours and now Gentle Mick’s in London Colney, said: “There are times when this world isn’t fair… Someone who was too wonderful is taken from this world, and suddenly the whole universe seems just a little less bright.
“Rest well Leanda your pain is over… I will miss you, I will miss the hugs, warmth and friendship that you brought into my life.”
Jez Levy, owner of EYES on St Albans, worked closely with Leanda on various fundraising initiatives: “I have shed several tears for you this week, a huge loss to our St Albans community, you taught me much about myself that I did not know, I will hold your memory and legacy in my heart whilst I still have a breath in me.
“You touched me and so many others and will remain my inspiration, my strength against adversity, I am not exaggerating to say you are a unique and shining star who will continue to shine down on us remaining with us forever more, sleep soundly gorgeous lady.”
St Albans Times journalist Laura Bill, who wrote many stories about her over the past few years, had known Leanda since she was manager of Huttons gift shop in The Maltings Shopping Centre.
She said: “Landy was a real warrior for mental health. She had felt the failure of the system in the most brutal way and was determined to raise awareness and to kick back against poor treatment of people with depression.
“In spite of her devastating losses she remained a stalwart for other broken people in the community and tirelessly made a huge difference through her actions.
“She will be hugely missed. I’m glad she can be with her children now.”
Editor Matt Adams added: “I first met Leanda Kelly at the Stop and Talk tattoo project she organised at the late, lamented Pure Colours Studio in Hatfield Road, and was immediately taken by her warmth, courage and determination to do whatever she possibly could to make the world a better place, despite the heartbreaking losses she had personally experienced.
“Our paths crossed frequently after that, maybe in the supermarket or at a community event, or she might call to chat about her latest fundraising idea. Her company was infectious and I would always enjoy spending time with her, and news of her sudden death last weekend came as a huge shock. I hope this tribute article goes some way towards capturing what made her so special. RIP Landy, you will be dearly missed.”
