To its immense credit Bradford Council, led by chief executive Gordon Moore, reacted to the disaster almost immediately. Social Services set aside five staff to operate a helpline. Within 48 hours the ground had been laid for the hugely successful disaster appeal. A senior Council officer joined Bradford lawyer Roger Suddards to meet organisers of the Penlee and Aberfan appeals to learn how the best way of running the disaster fund.
Bradford was galvanised by the appeal. In every walk of life people found a way to help. Across the country the disaster struck a chord; thousands of pounds poured into the fund. From impromptu whip-rounds, to a fundraising record in the top ten, the disaster appeal exceeded all expectations by raising £4m.
Jim Greenhalf later wrote in the Telegraph and Argus: ‘Pity Poor Bradford, a 17th Century ghost is said to have wailed. The world did; but Bradford collectively turned tragedy into its finest hour. The £4m raised for the disaster appeal was duly distributed through a trust fund without the slightest controversy or complaint.’
The specialist burns unit at Bradford University, set up after the disaster, leads the world in pioneering research into reducing scarring from burns and plastic surgery. Professor David Sharpe, the director of the unit, was consultant on call at Bradford Royal Infirmary during the weekend of the fire disaster. He led a team of surgeons from all parts of the country to help the injured supporters. He received the OBE in 1986 in recognition of that work.
