Tributes to Bradford City Fire hero Denis Appleyard after inquest into tragic death

Yesterday the inquest into the death of 86-year-old Denis Appleyard took place at Bradford Coroners Court.

It heard how Mr Appleyard fell while at Morrisons filling station in Ingleby Road, Girlington, on May 6, suffering skull fractures and a brain haemorrhage, tragically dying at Bradford Royal Infirmary the following morning from his injuries.

In a double blow to the family, his wife of more than 60 years Enid had been in hospital at the time of Denis’ death, and she died aged 82 four days later.

The couple were cremated together, and following the inquest tributes have been paid to them by their family and the fire service.

Their son Mark said following the inquest: “The fire service gave Dad a guard of honour at his funeral and I want to give our thanks to Bingley fire station for doing that.

“We also want to thank the fire service for sending us a beautiful letter of condolence after Dad’s death.

“He was a distinguished fire officer at Fairweather Green; he was one of the first officers at the Bradford City fire and was officer in charge.

“We would also like to pay tribute to our mum Enid too, who worked at Green Lane Primary throughout working life until retirement.”

During the hearing yesterday, the inquest heard from Mr Appleyard’s daughter Sarah how he had been born in Bradford and attended Lilycroft Primary School and Grange Grammar School, before going on to work at Dyson’s Electrical.

In 1954 and 1955 he completed his National Service in the Royal Air Force, serving in Iraq as a wireless operator before returning to Dyson’s and then joining the fire service not long after, where he served for 30 years.

Upon retiring from the service he worked as a painter and decorator. Throughout his life he was a keen swimmer and also played squash, badminton and golf, serving as captain at Headley Golf Club in Thornton.

In 1958 he married Enid having met at a Scout’s Garden Party in Heaton; they were both heavily involved in Scouting and Guiding.

They had two children - Sarah and Mark - and had four grandchildren and one great-grandchild, born in 2020.

Mr Appleyard was happy and healthy throughout his life, except being a Type-2 diabetic and having bladder cancer, which he beat.

In recent years he had begun falling, unable to stop himself. In March, he fell while out and about but was ok, and fell later that day at home and had been confused - he had a chest infection at the time and spent five days in hospital for treatment but recovered well.

The Morrisons petrol station in Girlington

On May 6, he was at the Morrisons petrol station in Girlington when he was having trouble fuelling; he went into the kiosk for assistance before coming back out.

He spoke to another customer waiting before returning to his car which is when he fell, hitting his head. Members of the public came to his aid and an ambulance was called; Mr Appleyard suffered bleeding and was disorientated.

Arriving at hospital doctors found he had a brain haemorrhage and skull fractures, and said he couldn’t be operated on and the outlook sadly was not a positive one.

Mr Appleyard sadly died the following morning at 8.52am, and Assistant Coroner Angela Brocklehurst confirmed his cause of death as being head injuries caused by an accident.

Ms Brocklehurst added: “My condolences to the family for your loss of your father and mother, it must be the most terrible grief you are bearing.

“He was a lucky man, much-loved by his family and was healthy and active until the end, it must have been a joy to spend that time with him.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has also paid tribute to Mr Appleyard for his long service as a firefighter.

Ronnie Goldwater, station manager with responsibility for Shipley and Bingley, said: “Our condolences are extended to the family and friends of Denis Appleyard who made a dedicated and significant contribution to West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

“Denis worked within Bradford district for many years and was well known and respected.”

The funeral of Denis and Enid Appleyard took place on May 25, with a large turnout to send off the beloved couple.