A SURGE of donations has pushed an appeal fund for the Bradford Burns Unit more than halfway towards its £300,000 target.

Alan Carling, of Bradford City Supporters Board, said the total had reached £150,703 - thanks to the generosity and hard work of individuals and groups.

Mr Carling said numerous fundraising events and projects had reached, or exceeded, their targets.

"There has been a surge of donations to the memorial appeal over the last few days," said Mr Carling. "I'm pleased to report that we have now passed the half way mark for the appeal."

Among the latest donations was one from lifelong Bantams supporter Paul Thacker, a Bradfordian who owns and runs Foley's Bar in Benidorm, Spain.

Mr Thacker, who is originally from Great Horton and moved to Spain eight years ago, hosted a charity day at his bar in the popular holiday resort. He had hoped to raise 1,000 Euros for the burns unit, but smashed that target by collecting about 5,300 Euros - £3,798.

"It was a really enjoyable and successful day," said Mr Thacker.

"The amount surpassed anything I could ever have imagined. I had an army of volunteers who sold raffle tickets, ran the barbecue, ran the tombola, and helped collect glasses - we would never have coped as we were never expecting such a turn out."

He added: "The event was attended by more than 250 people. We had seats and space for 150 - they were all stood on the road! We raised a total amount of 5,300 Euros, just short of £4,000 at today's exchange rate.

"A large number of Bradford fans who were in Benidorm at the time attended. A special mention must go to my good friend Wayne Wright, proprietor of Levi's Showboat in Benidorm, whose customers raised more than 1,000 Euros in collections."

The event included some of Benidorm's top entertainers, such as singers and a comedian. The performers have given their time for free.

Mr Thacker said he had attended a number of City games in the weeks leading up to the fire, but on the actual day he was being taken to his grandparents in Morecambe - where he lived at the time - and heard the news on the radio.

There are also donations still to be added to the appeal fund including one from Jamie Boyle, who has been selling commemorative hoodies, hats, polo shirts, T-shirts and pin badges in aid of the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit which was set up after the tragedy.

The Telegraph & Argus featured Mr Boyle at the end of last month as he made an appeal to smash his fundraising - which at the time stood at £7,528 - through the £10,000 barrier.

Yesterday, Mr Boyle revealed the target had been reached, and exceeded - with more money still expected to come in.

"We are at about £10,200, and they are still selling," he said. "I am in shock. I was in shock at £3,000, at £5,000 and at £7,500. To hit over £10,000 is wow, it is just amazing.

"I am really over the moon and I am proud."