A MAN who created commemorative hoodies, T-shirts, polo shirts and beanie hats to raise money for the Bradford Burns Unit wants to break through the £10,000 barrier before the 30th anniversary of the Valley Parade fire.
Jamie Boyle, working alongside Chris Robinson from Clayton Heights-based Embroidery In House, has so far raised £7,528 for the unit with the clothing items that feature a '56' logo.
The pair presented a cheque to consultant surgeon Ajay Mahajan, of the burns unit, at half-time during Bradford City's League One clash with Barnsley last Saturday.
Now, Mr Boyle is hoping for one last push in sales ahead of May 11.
The 36-year-old said: "They are on sale until May 11 and we are hoping to hit the £10,000 mark.
"I am really chuffed with how much we have raised so far. When I designed them last year we were happy with raising about £1,000.
"Fans have been ordering them, selling them and taking orders. We have sent some to Australia, Ireland, Spain, Dubai, Egypt.
"Bradfordians have bought them, Lincoln fans have bought them. We have had fans from Southport, Chelsea, Millwall, Manchester City and Manchester United buying them. People up and down the country have been buying them.
"I would love a final push."
Mr Boyle, who was not at the disaster because his dad had to work that day, said many people had praised his idea of selling shirts and hoodies, and added: "It is emotional, and it chokes you up when people say stuff like 'my dad will be proud'.
"It (the fire) affected the whole community. It is something that will never go away."
Mr Boyle has been a Street Angel in Bradford for several years and also has a history of raising funds for cancer charities on top of his regular job at a chemicals plant.
Last year he came up with the idea of producing clothing with a '56' logo as a way of remembering those who died as a result of the blaze.
He received a positive response when he posted his idea on Facebook, and added: "I approached Leonard Berry asked for his input as he is a very well-known City fan and very well-liked by supporters. He got on board taking orders from supporters' clubs in the city."
Mr Boyle also praised Terri Whitham, of the Rose and Crown pub in Bradford city centre, and Sean Charlton of hair@172 in Wibsey, who both took orders, as well as the Beacon in Buttershaw and the Cartwright Hotel in the city.
Anyone who wants to buy one of the shirts, jumpers or hats can go to Embroidery In House, Highgate Road, Clayton Heights, or ring 01274 889299. They can also be ordered at the Rose and Crown, hair@172, and the Cartwright Hotel.
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