Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit at 40
May 2025 marks 40 years since the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU) was founded in response to the Valley Parade fire where 56 people tragically died and hundreds more suffered significant injuries.
Here we are collecting and sharing details of how our communities are commemorating the anniversary of the fire through a range of events and activities, many of which are also raising funds for the PSBRU.
Burns unit visit part of 56 for 56 appeal
Firefighters from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) visited the University of Bradford-based Burns Unit in February 2025 after crews launched a £56,000 fundraising appeal to mark the 40th anniversary of the Bradford City fire.
Proceeds raised for the 56for56 appeal, organised by the firefighters based at Bradford Fire Station, will go towards the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU), also known as the Bradford Burns Unit.
A group of crew members had a tour of the PSBRU’s facilities and were given an insight into the Unit’s research work.
Read the full article on the University of Bradford's news page.
Crew members from Bradford Fire Station and staff from the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU) promote the 56for56 appeal.
Firefighters' walk for Bradford fire victims
BBC news covered the completion of the 75-mile walk on Saturday 5 April 2025 by Firefighters from Lincoln and Bradford in the hope of raising £56,000 for the PSBRU and the Firefighters Charity. They were also joined by ex-Bradford City players and arrived at the University of Bradford Stadium in time for the home game against Crewe Alexandra.
Research projects as part of UK City of Culture
As part of the UK City of Culture activities in Bradford in 2025, the University of Bradford are embarking on two projects which aim to deliver research that connects with the club and our communities.
- Stories from Valley Parade, an immersive digital copy of the University of Bradford Stadium will bring fans’ stories to life as they are told through different artistic approaches, creating a celebration of the heritage and culture Bradford City AFC brings to the city.
- Accompanying the digital stadium, PSBRU will launch a book recognising their contributions to research and healthcare for patients with burns injuries and sharing stories of the community cohesion that was created in response to the fire. The profits from the book will be used to support future research at the PSBRU.
Read more about these projects and our partnership with Bradford City AFC.
360 degree video equipment used to capture a digital twin of Valley Parade (the University of Bradford stadium).
Shipley Bantams give £2,000 to PSBRU
Supporters group Shipley Bantams raised £2000 for the PSBRU and presented a cheque to Professor Ajay L Mahajan, PSBRU director at Bradford Teaching Hospitals in April 2025.