Once again Bradford people have proved that when it comes to generosity, they are the best. Time and again this has been demonstrated by the response to crises and good causes. Whenever we launch appeals, we never need to worry whether the target will be met. The only question is: by how much will it be exceeded?

But it is not just causes here at home which meet with such a warm-hearted response. The people of Clayton Heights have come to the help of a local man who now lives in Melbourne, Australia.

It is a great shame for Steve Smith and his family that the 35-year-old joiner has been laid low by heart disease since setting off in search of a new life in February. Now he needs a heart transplant and, like many others the world over in similar predicaments, is on the waiting list.

However, as a newcomer to Australia, he does not qualify for benefits, yet the mortgage and the rest of the bills still need to be paid.

When the regulars of the Nag's Head pub at Clayton Heights heard of the plight of the Smith family, they wasted no time in organising fund-raising events. The staggering £5,500 total from two events will go a long way towards easing the anxiety of Mr and Mrs Smith over their financial situation at least, and must give Mr Smith a better chance of getting himself into shape for his operation.

Well done, Nag's Head regulars and visitors, for your hard work and generosity, and for demonstrating that Bradford doesn't forget its own even when they're far away.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.