Firefighters at Bradford Fire Station have organized an appeal called 56for56. The money raised from this appeal will go to the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU), which is also known as the Bradford Burns Unit.
The PSBRU was started by Professor David Sharpe after a tragic fire at Bradford City’s Valley Parade stadium on May 11, 1985. That fire took the lives of 56 people. Among them were 54 Bradford City fans and two supporters from their opponents that day, Lincoln City.
Additionally, 258 people were injured. A group of firefighters from the station got to tour the facilities of the PSBRU.
They also learned about the important research work being done at the unit. One of the notable inventions is the Bradford Sling, created by Professor Sharpe. This sling has completely changed the way hand injuries are treated all over the world.
Over the next few months, the firefighting team is planning several events to raise money for the 56for56 appeal. One of these events is a 75-mile walk. It will start from Lincoln City’s Sincil Bank ground and end at the University of Bradford Stadium in April.
Phil Warden, the watch commander from Bradford Fire Station, said, “It was really good for all of us to visit the burns unit. Now we all know exactly what we’re raising money for. As a lifelong Bradford City fan, I really understand how important the work they do at the burns unit is. The appeal is called 56for56, but we know that the fire affected many more people, like the family and friends of the victims.”
Dr Kirsten Riches-Suman, an associate professor of biomedical science at the University of Bradford, said, “It was great to have the opportunity to sit down and talk about the impact of the burns unit, the work we’ve accomplished, and how proud we are of it. I always find it very fulfilling to talk about our work here.”
Professor Ajay L Mahajan, the director of research at the PSBRU, said, “If you think back to when the fire happened, three main services were involved: the police, the fire service, and the health sector. Over the years, we’ve always kept a good relationship with all of them and with the community. We remember the 56 victims at the memorial service every year. It’s really wonderful that the fire service has come up with these fundraising activities this year. It shows that the support for the victims and the unit has not gone away.”
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