Bradford City fire fundraising walk completed

Firefighters left Lincoln City's stadium on Friday morning

Firefighters and former Bradford City players have taken part in a fundraising walk in memory of 56 football fans who died in a fire at the club's Valley Parade ground 40 years ago.

The blaze broke out on 11 May 1985 in one of the wooden stands during a match between the Bantams and Lincoln City.

As a result, 54 Bradford City fans and two Lincoln City supporters died. At least 265 were injured.

Firefighters from Lincoln and Bradford completed the 75-mile (121km) challenge and were joined by ex-players, including James Hanson, who also walked some of the route, helping to raise more than £20,000.

The walk started at Lincoln City's stadium on Friday morning and ended at Valley Parade on Saturday afternoon, ahead of the game against Crewe Alexandra.

Mr Hanson, who walked 39 miles (63km) , said it was "the toughest thing" he had ever done.

Former Bradford City player James Hanson walked 39 miles (63km) of route

The former player said he wanted to be involved because he knew how much the disaster had affected people.

"I'm a Bradford lad. I spent eight years at Bradford so I knew exactly what it meant to everyone involved at Bradford.

"I wasn't there at the fire but I have plenty of memories from family and, obviously, from being around the club I knew how much it touched everyone's hearts."

Mr Hanson said those that had completed the full walk were "unbelievable".

"A massive round of applause for everyone who got involved and played their part."

Money raised from the challenge will go towards the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU).

The unit was founded by Professor David Sharpe who led the surgical response to the Bradford City Football Club fire disaster.

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