Burns Unit features in Bradford City fire ITV series
The Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU), based at the University of Bradford, is featured in a powerful new TV documentary series marking the 40th anniversary of the Bradford City fire.
Professor Ajay L Mahajan, Director of PSBRU and a consultant plastic surgeon at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was interviewed as part of the ITV coverage to commemorate the anniversary of the May 11, 1985 fire.
During his interview, Professor Mahajan was asked about the work of the PSBRU, the Bradford Sling, which revolutionised the treatment of hand injuries worldwide, and his pride at being director of the unit.
He said: “The documentary series will give people a further opportunity to reflect on the events of May 11, 1985.
“Over the years, our work at the PSBRU has been made possible because of the ongoing generosity of the people of Bradford and support from Bradford City AFC. We, at the PSBRU, are very grateful for this support.”
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’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.
This year, the Unit will also benefit financially from the 56for56 appeal, set up by firefighters from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) to mark the 40th anniversary of the fire.
The crews have set a £56,000 fundraising target with all proceeds going to continue the work of the Burns Unit. There are numerous other fundraising activities going on too, all with a common objective of supporting the PSBRU.
More about the ITV coverage
The interview was filmed as part of ITV’s coverage to mark the 40th anniversary of the fire.
A special edition of ITV Calendar will be broadcast at 18:00 on Friday 9 May on ITV1.
This programme is scheduled to feature some of the interviews filmed over the last few months.
A five-part documentary series is due to be made available on the ITVX catch-up service from Monday 12 May. These programmes, which will be around 30 minutes-long each, will include interviews with fire victims’ families, emergency service personnel who treated people on the day of the fire, broadcasters John Helm and Tony Delahunty, who covered the match, and Bradford City players who played for the club on that fateful day.
Professor Mahajan's contribution will feature in programme five.
A memorial service to mark the 40th anniversary of the Bradford City fire will be held in Centenary Square, Bradford, on Sunday 11 May at 11:00.
Supporters’ help
The Shipley Bantams, a Bradford City AFC supporters’ group based in the Bradford district town, has made a £2,000 donation to the PSBRU.
Steve Gorringe, of the Shipley Bantams, said: “Our membership consists of all age groups, but we have a significantly high proportion of fans who remember the tragic events of May 11, 1985.
“So, with the 40th anniversary of that tragic day approaching, we felt it appropriate to donate yet again to the PSBRU.”
Professor Mahajan said: “The Shipley Bantams have been our strong supporters over the years and have helped us continue with our work at our research unit with their generous donations.
“We at the PSBRU are grateful for their donations and will continue to strive towards improving healthcare for the future with our ongoing activities at our research unit.”