£56k raised for burns unit to mark anniversary of Bradford City fire
The funds, raised by firefighters from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS), will support the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU), which is based at the University of Bradford.
The PSBRU was founded by Professor David Sharpe (who was a consultant plastic surgeon in Bradford at the time of the tragedy) following the fire at Bradford City AFC's Valley Parade home ground on May 11, 1985, which claimed the lives of 56 people.
Firefighters from WYFRS launched their fundraising campaign, called '56for56,' in February 2025.
Funds have been raised through a variety of activities - including a football match between Bradford Fire Station and a Bradford City Legends team (featuring Stuart McCall and Gary Jones), which raised £6,946.
Other fundraising activities included a black-tie dinner, with former Bradford City striker Dean Windass as guest speaker, and a 75-mile walk from Sincil Bank in Lincoln to the University of Bradford Stadium.
WYFRS crew members were joined on the walk by firefighters from Lincoln South Fire Station - and they arrived at their destination in time for Bradford City's 2-0 home win over Crewe Alexandra.
Additional funds have been raised through bucket collections and a Bradford Fire Station open day.
Extra funds for the appeal will be spread across the Bradford City Community Foundation and the Firefighters Charity.
Mark Hayward, crew manager at Bradford Fire Station and one of the organisers of 56for56, said: "We're thrilled to have reached the target and raised £56,000 for the PSBRU.
"It's been a real team effort, with so many people getting involved in all the challenges we have completed.
"The hardest one by far was the walk from Lincoln – and the one I enjoyed most was the football match at Valley Parade.
"To play against so many legends was brilliant."
Professor Ajay L Mahajan, director of the PSBRU, added: "It was very touching when the WYFRS approached me about their wish to do the 56for56 campaign - it was so apt for the 40th anniversary of the Bradford fire.
"They have paid a huge tribute to the 56 through their tireless efforts to raise funds for the PSBRU.
"Thank you to everyone who has donated to our cause, and a huge thank you to the WYFRS for completing this gargantuan campaign."
Donations to the PSBRU can be made at intouch.bradford.ac.uk/alumni/public/donate.
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Firefighters have raised £56,000 for a burns unit to mark the 40th anniversary of the Bradford City fire. The funds, raised by firefighters from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS), will support the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU), which is based at the University of Bradford. The PSBRU was founded by Professor David Sharpe (who was a consultant plastic surgeon in Bradford at the time of the tragedy) following the fire at Bradford City AFC's Valley Parade home ground on May 11, 1985, which claimed the lives of 56 people. Firefighters from WYFRS launched their fundraising campaign, called '56for56,' in February 2025. Funds have been raised through a variety of activities - including a football match between Bradford Fire Station and a Bradford City Legends team (featuring Stuart McCall and Gary Jones), which raised £6,946. Other fundraising activities included a black-tie dinner, with former Bradford City striker Dean Windass as guest speaker, and a 75-mile walk from Sincil Bank in Lincoln to the University of Bradford Stadium. WYFRS crew members were joined on the walk by firefighters from Lincoln South Fire Station - and they arrived at their destination in time for Bradford City's 2-0 home win over Crewe Alexandra. Additional funds have been raised through bucket collections and a Bradford Fire Station open day. Extra funds for the appeal will be spread across the Bradford City Community Foundation and the Firefighters Charity. Mark Hayward, crew manager at Bradford Fire Station and one of the organisers of 56for56, said: "We're thrilled to have reached the target and raised £56,000 for the PSBRU. "It's been a real team effort, with so many people getting involved in all the challenges we have completed. "The hardest one by far was the walk from Lincoln – and the one I enjoyed most was the football match at Valley Parade. "To play against so many legends was brilliant." Professor Ajay L Mahajan, director of the PSBRU, added: "It was very touching when the WYFRS approached me about their wish to do the 56for56 campaign - it was so apt for the 40th anniversary of the Bradford fire. "They have paid a huge tribute to the 56 through their tireless efforts to raise funds for the PSBRU. "Thank you to everyone who has donated to our cause, and a huge thank you to the WYFRS for completing this gargantuan campaign." Donations to the PSBRU can be made at
