Green plaque honours global impact of Bradford Sling
A World Origin Site green plaque has been unveiled at the University of Bradford to commemorate the global impact of the Bradford Sling and the world‑leading Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU), where the innovation was developed.
The internationally recognised Bradford Sling, created at the University following the 1985 Bradford City fire, is a simple but highly effective medical device designed to support and immobilise the arm, helping to protect injured areas and improve recovery following trauma or surgery. It has since been adopted worldwide and remains in use more than four decades on.
Dr Kirsten Riches-Suman, Associate Professor of Biomedical Science at the University of Bradford, wearing the Bradford Sling, and Professor Ajay L Mahajan, Director of the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU). Images credit: Kiran Metha@KM Images and University of Bradford
Pioneering work
Awarded by World Origin Site, the green plaque also recognises the pioneering work of the PSBRU, founded by Professor David Sharpe OBE, the consultant plastic surgeon who led the clinical response to the Valley Parade disaster of 11 May 1985 at the Bradford Teaching Hospitals. The fire claimed the lives of 56 people, including 54 Bradford City AFC fans and two supporters from their opponents that day – Lincoln City, and injured more than 250 others, many with severe burns, and proved a catalyst for innovations that transformed burns and reconstructive care globally.
Professor David Sharpe OBE, PSBRU Founder. Images credit: Kiran Metha@KM Images and University of Bradford
Professor Sharpe OBE, who died in March 2023 aged 77, was aided in the aftermath of the Bradford City fire by Dr John ‘Jess’ Boot, who supported engineering-led research into skin grafts and related techniques. This collaborative work helped strengthen the early foundations of what would become an important area of specialist research and clinical innovation at the University of Bradford.
Dr Boot, who died aged 77 in 2025, was research assistant in the Department of Civil Engineering, becoming a Reader in Structural Engineering in 2001 before retiring seven years later.
The green plaque unveiling was attended by Professor Ajay L Mahajan, Director of the PSBRU; Dr Kirsten Riches-Suman, Associate Professor of Biomedical Science at the University of Bradford; Davide Longo, Bradford City AFC General Manager, and Martin Wilkie, World Origin Site Founder.
Dr John ‘Jess’ Boot, who supported the research work at PSBRU. Images credit: Kiran Metha@KM Images and University of Bradford
Fitting tribute
Professor Mahajan said: “The Bradford Sling is a simple device that has revolutionised the management of hand injuries or operations worldwide.
“It has also helped further innovative research at the PSBRU for the future, through royalties from its patent. The green plaque is such a fitting tribute to this innovation and to Professor Sharpe.”
Mr Longo said: “The green plaque recognises the dedicated work carried out at the PSBRU following the Valley Parade fire.
“The Bradford Sling, and the PSBRU, has helped thousands of people over the decades, and Bradford City AFC is proud of its ongoing association with the University and the unit.”
The World Origin Site green plaque in honour of the Bradford Sling. Images credit: Kiran Metha@KM Images and University of Bradford
More on the green plaque
Being accredited with a World Origin Site green plaque means the location is a proven site of an invention, discovery or world first.
Examples of previously accredited green plaques include at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London, to mark Dr Alexander Fleming’s invention of penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic, the start and finish points of George Stephenson’s and the world’s first rail journey of 1826, and the first human-to-human heart transplant in 1967.
From left, Dr Kirsten Riches-Suman, Professor Ajay L Mahajan, Director of the PSBRU, Martin Wilkie, World Origin Site Founder, and Davide Longo, Bradford City AFC General Manager. Images credit: Kiran Metha@KM Images and University of Bradford
Mr Wilkie said: “The Bradford Sling represents an important medical development born from the tragic events of the Bradford City fire.
“Professor Sharpe and his team have been recognised for their innovative design, and the sling has been adopted worldwide. Now we can help pinpoint not just the city but the place where this important work took place.
“We hope that the University of Bradford, the PSBRU and their students past and present can be justly proud to be accredited as a World Origin Site for the Bradford Sling.”
The PSBRU will feature in ‘From Lab to Life’, the next in the University’s 6 Decades Lecture series celebrating its 60th anniversary.
The event, on Wednesday 13 May, from 18:00 to 19:30 on campus and online, looks at 60 years of research that improves our health and wellbeing, including how we understand vision, support healing after injury, medicines safety and faster diagnosis of infections. Book your place online.