How Your Donations Are Making A Difference

As the nation comes together in a country-wide clap of thanks this Sunday 5 July – on the 72nd birthday of the NHS – Bradford Hospitals’ Charity can reveal the invaluable role the public has played in supporting patients and staff.

Bradford hospital buildings will become a beacon of blue to celebrate the 72nd birthday of the NHS this weekend.

Sunday, July 5 is the official anniversary and buildings and landmarks across the country will be floodlit in the iconic NHS blue to mark the historic occasion

Since launching its emergency NHS Hospital Heroes appeal on 27 March, Bradford Hospitals Charity – the charitable arm of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – has received more than £260,000 in donations and more than £140,000 worth of goods. This includes grants received by NHS Charities Together, of which Bradford Hospitals’ Charity is a member.

Bradford Hospitals’ Charity has approved around 90 funding applications across Bradford Teaching Hospitals worth almost £180,000.


Bradford Hospitals’ Charity and Bradford Teaching Hospitals will join NHS charities and NHS Trusts across the UK at 5pm on Sunday 5 July to thank the public for their support as part of the big #ThankYouTogether clap. Bradford Royal Infirmary will also light up blue on the evening of Saturday 4 July to remember those we have sadly lost.

“While our country locked down, Bradford stood up to support its NHS,” said Karen Dawber, Chief Nurse at Bradford Teaching Hospitals.

“You sent donations of money, food and messages of support and solidarity.

“We will never forget this incredible generosity and moral support, at a time when our National Health Service faced its biggest ever crisis.

“But now is the time to proudly show you how we are investing the money you donated. We are focusing on the wellbeing of our staff and looking at new and innovative ways to treat and care for our patients in these unprecedented times.

“So when you all applaud our NHS heroes on 5 July, we will be giving grateful thanks to you all for your support and solidarity during these tough times.”



Hayley Collis, Head of Fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, added:
“While we all say #ThankYouTogether this weekend, it will mean a great deal to us to thank the many people, organisations and businesses who have donated and raised money for our patients and staff.

“Our charity has a long and proud tradition of funding over and above what the NHS provides, and the money and goods donated since the outbreak of this pandemic will provide tremendous support now and in the future.

“Sincere thanks also to NHS Charities Together – our membership organisation – which has provided grants to help fund our Covid-19 wellbeing projects. We are proud to be part of the NHS Charities Together family.”



Other buildings in Bradford which will be lit up will include City Hall, Forster Square Arches Margaret McMillan Tower.