A heartening tribute unfolded as firefighters and former Bradford City footballers concluded their fundraising walk in memory of the 56 fans who tragically lost their lives in the Bradford City fire at the Valley Parade ground four decades ago. The devastating fire, which ignited on 11 May 1985 during a clash between the Bantams and Lincoln City, also left at least 265 injured. Firefighters from Lincoln and Bradford, along with ex-players, including James Hanson, undertook the 75-mile challenge, raising over £20,000. The walk began at Lincoln City’s stadium on Friday morning, concluding at Valley Parade on Saturday afternoon, preceding the game against Crewe Alexandra. Hanson, a Bradford native who walked 39 miles, called it ‘the toughest thing’ he’d ever tackled. The funds raised will be donated to the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU), established by Professor David Sharpe, who led the surgical response following the Bradford City Football Club fire disaster.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
