56for56 appeal reaches target for Burns Unit

Firefighters from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) have reached their £56,000 fundraising target for the University of Bradford-based Burns Unit to mark the 40th anniversary of the Bradford City fire.

A legend-filled football match, a 75-mile walk from Lincoln to Bradford and a fundraising dinner were some of the events which helped firefighters based at Bradford Fire Station reach their target for their ‘56for56’ appeal in aid of the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU).

Professor Ajay L Mahajan, Director of the PSBRU, said: “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. 

“The feeling of personnel from one emergency service [WYFRS] being there to support another emergency service [healthcare] showcases the same community support that has been there for the families of the 56 and those affected by the Bradford fire. 

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their continuing support, thank you to everyone who has donated to our cause and a huge thank you to the WYFRS for completing this gargantuan campaign.”

What is the PSBRU?

The PSBRU was founded by Professor David Sharpe, who was a consultant plastic surgeon at 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, including 54 Bradford City AFC fans and two supporters from their opponents that day – Lincoln City. A further 258 people were injured. 

Nearly all of the Unit’s research fellows have gone on to practise as consultant plastic surgeons, improving lives both in the UK and around the world.

How the money was raised

The 56for56 appeal target was reached through a host of fundraising events held earlier this year. 

A football match between Bradford Fire Station and a Bradford City AFC Legends side, including former player and manager Stuart McCall and ex-skipper Gary Jones, raised £6,946 towards the fundraising total. A crowd of more than 1,000 people attended the match, played at the University of Bradford Stadium on May 17, where the Legends side ran out winners. 

Other events included a black-tie charity dinner, held on June 6 at the University of Bradford Stadium, featuring former Bradford City AFC striker Dean Windass as guest speaker. 

A 75-mile walk from Lincoln City’s Sincil Bank ground to the University of Bradford Stadium, held in April, saw crew members from WYFRS join counterparts from Lincoln South Fire Stations. 

Setting off from Lincoln, the team reached the University of Bradford Stadium the following day in time to meet fans at Bradford City AFC’s 2-0 home win over Crewe Alexandra in Sky Bet League Two. 

Bucket collections at Bradford City AFC’s home and an open day at Bradford Fire Station also took place.

Extra funds for the appeal will be spread across the Bradford City Community Foundation and the Firefighters Charity.

Crew Manager Mark Hayward, of Bradford Fire Station and one of the organisers, 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.

“Most of all I’d like to thank everyone who has donated. The public have really got behind this campaign and we couldn’t have done it without them.”

Firefighters from WYFRS visited the PSBRU in February 2025 to kick off their appeal.
If you have been inspired by the 56fo56 campaign and wish to support the PSBRU, go to intouch.bradford.ac.uk/alumni/public/donate to make a one-off or regular donation.