A KIND-HEARTED Bradfordian has been brightening the faces of children in hospital by handing out toys for Eid.

Manningham man Nazim Ali has been distributing gifts at Bradford Royal Infirmary’s children’s ward twice a year for the past five years, to mark the festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

He said: “I spent a large part of my early childhood in the children’s ward in Bradford Royal Infirmary due to my struggle with tuberculosis and I know too well how at times you feel the loneliness and miss being at home with your family and playing with your friends.”

The cuddly toys, games and play sets were sponsored by Shiraz Ahmed, managing director of Bradford-based Saveco Cash and Carry.

Elaine Drake, fundraising assistant for the Bradford Hospitals Charity, said: “We are grateful to Shiraz and Nazim for once more providing these fabulous Eid gifts which will certainly cheer up the children knowing there are people out there thinking of them. We look forward to Shiraz and Nazim’s continued support and are grateful for all that they do.”

The Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha, known as Big Eid, is due to begin this evening and end on Monday.