University of Bradford turns Claret and Amber in remembrance

The University will be encouraging its staff and students to wear the club colours, Claret and Amber in support of the club and city at this time of remembrance and to raise money for the (PSBRU).

56 lives were lost in the tragic event in 1985 and over 250 patients were treated by Professor David Sharpe and his team. Following the disaster, Professor Sharpe(BRI) and the late Professor Terry Baker (UoB) created the PSBRU at the University to undertake research projects with an aim to improve future healthcare for patients affected by such disasters. The PSBRU leads on research activities at UoB focussing on the different ways in which wound healing and scarring can be improved.

On 20 May, Mr Ajay L Mahajan, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Director of PSBRU, Professor Des Tobin, Director of the Centre for Skin Sciences and PSBRU staff will be giving talks on the history of the unit and about the ground breaking research that takes place there. The talk is open to all staff and students and will take place in the JSB Lecture theatre, Richmond building at 1pm.

Prof. Tobin commented "As a member of staff I feel honoured to participate in the Claret and Amber Day here at the University, as part of the 30th Commemoration of the Bradford City FC fire, by sharing with my University colleagues some of the excellent wound healing research the Centre for Skin Sciences does in association with our Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit"

Mr Mahajan commented "Ever since the PSBRU was founded almost 30 years ago, the Bradford City Football Club and its supporters have shared a very special relationship with us. Together we have carried the research unit forwards and have undertaken various research projects to improve healthcare for our patients. On the 30th anniversary this year, the Bantams have really showered us with their affection and have conducted various fundraising activities to raise valuable funds to help us."

"I would like to thank everyone for this and together with the support of the people of Bradford, we look forward to carrying on with our research activities in memory of the countless people affected by the Bradford fire disaster."

There will be bucket collectors across campus and in the lecture, if staff and students wish to donate to the appeal.

Since the establishment of the PSBRU the link between the University and the Club has grown with partnerships in a variety of different academic areas.

Students who are studying sports rehabilitation have the opportunity to take up placements at Bradford City FC due to the partnership with the Faculty of Health at the University of Bradford.

The School of Media, Design and Technology, within the Faculty of Engineering & Informatics, have also developed a partnership with the league 1 football club. Students from the are responsible for filming home fixtures which are used for the match highlights.

The University is also launching a new MSc course in Skin Sciences and Regenerative Medicine, which will enable students to understand the biology behind, and applications of cutting edge regenerative medicine - using the skin as a main focus.

The University of Bradford looks forward to seeing the campus turn a wave of claret and amber in a poignant anniversary year for the city and Bradford City.