After all the years, West Bowling is still in my heart. I was born there and lived there for 25 years. I married a wonderful girl from around the corner and we are still together after 54 years.

Another part of my heart beats for the Bradford Royal Infirmary. As a child, I was under the care of Dr Chester Williams at the Radium Institute. At the time of Dunkirk I was undergoing surgery from Mr. Dawson. The ward was cleared for wounded French military.

I trained to be a physiotherapist from 1950 to 1953. In the hospital we were under the protective umbrella of a kind, compassionate and competent matron.

Arthur Naylor, an orthopaedic surgeon, light years ahead of his time, guided us through the years. Miss Hollis, the school principal, put us through our paces.

Following qualification, I worked with Mr Jimmy Davidson, the chest surgeon, who brought new parameters with his skills.

The standard of medical care and nursing quality was the highest and as a patient recently, I found the high standards have not changed.

My experience of Westwood Park Community Hospital is of a state-of-the-art building with state-of-the-art nursing and physiotherapy.

The BRI stands as an attribute to a city once wracked with smoke, soot, hardship and the widespread need for free school meals. There was wool for all and wealth for a few.

To the citizens of today’s Bradford I would say: “You have a jewel in the palm of your hand, so keep a tight grip and never let anyone steal it from you.”

Ian Stewart, Mapleridge Lane, Horton, South Gloucestershire