A BRADFORD charity which works to alleviate suffering in some of the most deprived communities in the world has reached a milestone.
Human Relief Foundation has grown into a global charity since it was set up from the city 30 years ago, and following its anniversary year is set to expand further.
Its humanitarian aid programme began in Iraq following the Gulf crisis in an effort to support those who left their homes and sought refuge on the borders.
Now it has a number of programmes across a number of countries, including Iraq, Bangladesh, Syria, Yemen, and West Africa.
In addition the charity has seven permanent relief offices around the world, as well as its Bradford headquarters and three regional offices in the UK.
This year the charity expects to be working with £10-15 million, from donors, agencies and the public.
The charity's CEO, Dr Nabeel Al Ramadhani, told the Telegraph & Argus that the charity was set up in the early 90s while he was working at the University of Bradford, with "a very humble start".
"Our charity started in 1991 after the Gulf crisis, which made hundreds of thousands of people leave their homes and seek refuge on the bordert. It was chaos and a lot of people lost their lives, children died on the roads as people were fleeing, families were trying to seek any refuge.
"We felt that we could start sending some help to agencies that were working out in the field. But then when the crisis continued, we thought why we don't start something more organised ourselves - the idea came from there."
He added that their work often involves an immediate, practical response to a crisis, followed by development work, such as vocational training.
Oliver Denton has recently joined the charity as marketing and communications manager, and is currently recruiting for a social media officer to strengthen its marketing department.
He said: "I am extremely happy to be joining the Human Relief Foundation. HRF is doing amazing work and I look forward to working with everyone in driving forward our marketing initiatives."
Of his appointment, Dr Al Ramadhani added: “We are extremely happy to welcome Oliver to the HRF team. Oliver’s extensive experience within marketing will help us to drive ever forward and continue to highlight the amazing work that we do across the world.”
To help fund Human Relief Foundation's work, visit hrf.org.uk, where donations can be made online.
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here