The Bulls’ ‘Quest for Survival’ campaign smashed the £100,000 mark yesterday – thanks to a stunning personal £10,000 donation from Widnes chairman Steve O’Connor.

Crisis-torn Bradford must raise at least £500,000 by April 6 or face the grim prospect of administration.

Legendary prop Stuart Fielden was back at Odsal yesterday to do his bit by manning the office phones as scores of fans pledged their cash to help save the club.

Widnes supremo O’Connor also pledged £10,000 out of his own pocket, giving Bradford’s bid for salvation a massive shot in the arm as they reached a figure of approximately £103,000 at the close of play.

Bulls chairman Peter Hood told the T&A: “Steve rang me in the morning to offer his support for the situation we find ourselves in – but also to say he wanted to pledge an enormous sum of £10,000.

“Steve spoke eloquently at length about the rugby league community and how we are all in this together.

“He talked of the outstanding contribution that the Bradford Bulls have made to the game and he wants that to continue.

“As Steve rightly said, the Bradford club is an integral part of the Super League family and his heartfelt and extremely generous contribution epitomises the response we have had from throughout the game.”

Hood has held tentative talks with a number of potential investors and said the widespread media coverage had raised awareness of the club’s plight and ignited interest.

“We’re only 48 hours into the appeal process but it’s generating huge amounts of media interest, leading to new interest from different and new quarters,” he said.

“People with an interest are starting to reveal themselves and we will explore those in the appropriate way. We will take them seriously and follow up on them.

“Meanwhile, we’re focusing our energies on the pledge because that’s the reality of the situation and we need to make it work.”

The club have launched a ‘Virtual Ticket’ for the Good Friday visit of Leeds.

The £20 ticket will not permit entry to Odsal but will allow rugby league fans everywhere to be there “in spirit” and support the campaign.

Football and media manager Stuart Duffy said: “The whole game is behind the club in its quest for survival and we have come up with the idea to offer a ‘Virtual Ticket’. “That will mean people can buy one for £20 and although they won’t be at the Leeds game on Good Friday, they will be with us in spirit.”

Those purchasing a ‘Virtual Ticket’ will not be charged until after the club have reached their £500,000 interim target – the deadline to do so being 5pm on Good Friday.

Elsewhere, scores of supporters have organised fund-raising events in a bid to help save the Bulls.

To buy ‘Virtual Tickets’ or to make a pledge, fans can visit the ticket office at Odsal or log on to the Bulls’ website at www.bradfordbulls.co.uk.

Meanwhile, Bulls utility player Paul Sykes has switched to Super League rivals Wakefield on a loan deal for the rest of the season.