Having taken the Burns Unit Appeal to their hearts on previous occasions, the fact that Bradfordians would rally around in its latest hour of need was never in doubt.

But while we knew that people would do what they could to raise the £100,000 to keep the pioneering research facility open, there was always the unknown factor of the recession to consider.

How would that affect the public’s ability to support the unit which was set up in the aftermath of the Bradford City fire disaster?

Well, with the total now shooting past the £20,000 mark, we can safely say that, recession or not, this is a cause that means so much to the people of this area and one for which they will always find money.

This latest cash landmark speaks volumes about their determination to ensure that the legacy of one of our darkest hours remains something positive that we can all take pride in.

The generosity of everybody who has given their time and money is also impressive, as is their ingenuity in devising new ways to fundraise.

There is not the space to list them all here, but we cannot resist the temptation to name the world-record keepy-up bid and hope that it is something that can be attempted.

After all, the sight of 3,000 junior players on the pitch at Valley Parade would really help the appeal kick on!