Two prominent businessmen have thrown their support behind the Telegraph & Argus Crocus Cancer Appeal.

Michael Ziff, boss of Bradford-based shoe chain Barratts, has pledged £500, while Balbir Panesar of PEC Building Services has donated £100.

Mr Ziff praised the T&A and the University of Bradford, hailing both as heroes for starting the campaign.

Barratts raised the cash through selling certain items in store, the money from which was put aside for the appeal. Mr Ziff dismissed the significance of his donation, claiming it was a pleasure to give.

He added: “The heroes are the people who are poorly. The heroes are the people who have organised this – the T&A and the university.

“The university and the T&A are both great organisations, two of the best in Bradford. We are not the heroes. For me and my colleagues, it is a pleasure to be able to give to the heroes.

“I enjoy the giving part. The organisers – these are the ones it is hard for. It is a thankless task to organise these things.”

On his reason to donate to the Crocus appeal, Mr Ziff said: “Unfortunately there are members of the community, people we associate with in business, family members and wider family who have all suffered from cancer.

“The more that people with cancer are helped, the better.”

Mr Ziff said his nephew had leukaemia, while his wife had also battled cancer.

He added: “Let’s be positive in life. My cufflinks say be happy, don’t worry. Let’s help those people who are less fortunate than us.”

Balbir Panesar, chairman of PEC, said: “We are keen believers in supporting charity as a whole, but more specifically anything that relates back to Bradford.

“Bradford is PEC’s headquarters and we are firm believers in supporting our local community and charities, and giving something back.

“Also, this particular appeal is potentially something quite revolutionary.”