TWO charities have been handed a huge boost by the former Lord Mayor of Bradford.

Keighley councillor Zafar Ali wore the mayor’s robes for the 2018/19 civic year, and during that time chose to support the Sue Ryder Manorlands hospice at Oxenhope and Bradford Nightstop.

Now the charities have each been given their share of the money collected over the year.

Each was presented with £10,579 from the Lord Mayor’s Appeal. And a further £32,000 raised through the Bradford Dragonboat Festival will be split between the two.

Manorlands provides end-of-life care and has to raise £2.1 million a year to keep operating.

And Bradford Nightstop offers temporary accommodation, advice and support for young people in the district who face homelessness.

Cllr Ali said: “It was a very successful year. It is important to recognise charity plays an important role in Bradford’s history.

“Manorlands looks after unfortunate people and helps them have a peaceful end to their life.

“Nightstop is important for our young people, who often get forgotten about. They are our future – if we don’t look after them who will?

“I’ve worked with these charities and I’ve learned a lot, and learned how important it is for us to help improve the lives of those more unfortunate than us.

“I’m grateful to all the people of Bradford district who have contributed to this enormous amount of money.”

Referring to the Dragonboat Festival, he said: “It has become a really popular event. I spent the day there and there were people from across Yorkshire. There was so much enthusiasm, people from all backgrounds were coming together. Bradford is one community, whatever your race, colour or religion.”

Harriet Wood, from Manorlands, said: “One in four people die without the end-of-life care they need. We aim to be there for people.”