On 11th May 1985, 56 people lost their lives in a fire at the football ground. Another 200 were seriously injured. In the wake of this tragedy the Bradford Burns Research Unit was created, and its work has since played a major part in both reducing burn-related fatalities and helping burn victims across the UK deal with the physical & psychological effects. The Unit, which is partly funded by voluntary contributions, is now under threat from closure and a 25th anniversary Appeal has been set up aimed at raising the £100,000 necessary to keep it going. You can read more about the Unit at http://www.plasticsurgery-bradford.org/.

 Together with my father & a friend, I was one of the lucky ones who escaped from the main stand at Valley Parade that day. The ground was quite full as the club was celebrating the Third Division Championship Title, so we were unable to get our usual seats & ended up further forward in the standing area. That was the stroke of luck which enabled us to scramble out over a wall at the front and onto the pitch. Having witnessed the fire at such close quarters I am committed to helping the Burns Unit survive, and will therefore be running the world's first ever (organised) Kilomathon - 26.2 km between Nottingham & Derby on 14th March. Fittingly the race finishes at a football stadium, 's .

With your help I am looking to raise £1,000 towards the Appeal, through the Bradford City Community Foundation. Donating is simple, fast and totally secure - JustGiving will never disclose your details or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.  

Thanks for your support!