David Sharpe's a special man to many people in Bradford (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

The man who set up the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit in the aftermath of the Valley Parade fire

5:10pm Wednesday 8th June 2011 in Science Heroes

Professor David Sharpe holds a special place in the memory of many in Bradford as he was the leading surgeon who set up the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit in the aftermath of the Valley Parade fire.

Prof Sharpe, born in Gravesend, Kent, has also pioneered the Bradford Sling, for people with hand and arm burns as well as developing skin grafting methods including stretching.

Last year, he was awarded an honorary degree of science for his work as an honorary professor at the University of Bradford and director of the Burns Unit at Bradford and Airedale Teaching Primary Care Trust.

The burns unit, which is now part of the university’s Centre for Skin Sciences, receives no public subsidy and survives by the efforts of the Bradford public.