5:11pm Friday 28th May 2010
By Hannah Baker
Bradford University’s Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit can now employe two new researchers thanks to funds raised by Bradford City’s fundraising appeal.
The appeal aimed to raise £100,000 for the pioneering unit but the amount collected is now expected to exceed that figure considerably.
Professor David Sharpe, who set up the unit after the 1985 Valley Parade fire disaster, said: “It’s fantastic. When they said they were going to raise £100,000 I thought that was great but I wasn’t sure if it could be done.
“What it’s meant is I have been able to tell Professor Des Tobin, director of the University’s Centre for Skin Science, that we are advertising two new research fellow posts. We are thrilled.
“I really am incredibly impressed with all the fundraising efforts, they have done us proud.”
The unit’s incumbent research fellows have edited two academic text books and pledged to give 25 per cent of the proceeds from their sale to the centre.
The books have been written for doctors preparing for the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons examinations and feature contributions from more than 50 specialists, professors and consultants from across the country, including Prof Sharpe.
Dr Ben Miranda, senior editor of both the books, said: “When you see where the Burns Unit has come from and the background behind it, it’s important to contribute.
“I have taken time out of my clinical work to do research at the unit as I was interested in contributing to research that will help treat patients who have been burned. Being part of that process was important.”
Prof Sharpe added: “We are very impressed by Dr Miranda, he’s worked very hard. He will be known internationally in a few years. This sort of book is priceless for someone doing this kind of training.”
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