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

Councillor Zafar Ali wore the Mayor’s robes for the 2018/19 civic year, and during that time he chose to support two very different but equally worthy charities - Sue Ryder Manorlands hospice and Bradford Nightstop.

Yesterday the two charities were each given their share of the money collected over the year.

Each charity was given £10,579 from the Lord Mayor’s Appeal. And a further £32,000 raised in the Bradford Dragonboat Festival for the appeal will be split between the two charities.

The money came from Cllr Ali’s many fundraising events during his 12 month spell in office, and from the Lord Mayor’s day at the annual Bradford Dragonboat Festival.

Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, based in Oxenhope, provides end of life care, and has to raise £2.1 million a year to keep operating.

Charities' joy after being chosen to benefit from Lord Mayor's Appeal

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

Cllr Ali, who represents the Conservative Party in the Keighley Central ward, 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 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 then need. We aim to be there for people.

“I we don’t get enough funding we can’t deliver these services. More and more people are becoming reliant on the servies we provide.”

Chris Watson from Bradford Nightstop said the charity was funded until next year, and this donation would give the charity much more security while it waits to see if that funding will continue.

He said: “We give young people a safe space to stay for the night – the alternative could be walking the streets.
“16 to 25 year olds can be quite vulnerable, you are learning about yourself and pushing boundaries, you think you can make it on your own. There is not a lot out there to support these young people, this donation will help us find somewhere safe for them while they find somewhere long term.”