TRIBUTES have been paid after the death of a man who treated victims of the Bradford City Fire and set up a pioneering research unit following the disaster.

Bradford surgeon Professor David Sharpe OBE led the surgical response to the fire disaster on May 11, 1985, where 56 people lost their lives and more than 258 were injured. He died today (Wednesday, March 22) aged 77.

He helped treat 25 burns victims in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy at Valley Parade and he and his team operated on more than 20 people in the first few hours. A total of 80 patients needed skin grafts. He described the work as “difficult and stressful”.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Professor David Sharpe with then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, centre, at St Luke’s Hospital after the fire in 1985Professor David Sharpe with then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, centre, at St Luke’s Hospital after the fire in 1985 (Image: Newsquest)

He also met then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher at St Luke’s Hospital just days after the tragedy in 1985.

After the fire, he then founded the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU) at the University of Bradford, making the city a pioneer in the field of plastic surgery.

It is now recognised as one of the top research units in the country for skin healing and wound research.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bradford City awarded Professor David Sharpe an honorary season ticket in 2017Bradford City awarded Professor David Sharpe an honorary season ticket in 2017 (Image: Newsquest)

He retired in 2014 after a career in plastic surgery spanning 40 years.

Prof Sharpe was thanked by the Bantams faithful at their last home game of the 2013/14 season, against Crawley Town, in a ceremony organised by the Bradford City Supporters' Board and the burns unit. The match-day programme that day included an eight-page supplement detailing Prof Sharpe’s accomplishments over the years.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Professor David Sharpe showing his Bantams colours in his tie Professor David Sharpe showing his Bantams colours in his tie (Image: Bradford Burns Unit)

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus after his presentation at Valley Parade in April 2014, Prof Sharpe said he was surprised and humbled to receive a plaque bearing a message of support and gratitude.

He added: “I was totally overwhelmed by it. I had no idea it was going to happen like that.

“I thought, how can they be so complimentary? It wasn’t just me. I was just doing what I was paid to do, there were so many more who came and volunteered.”

He was honoured with an OBE in 1986 for his work in heading up the medical team treating the victims of the Valley Parade fire.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The Professor pictured next to the First Bus in Bradford which was named after him in August 2015 The Professor pictured next to the First Bus in Bradford which was named after him in August 2015 (Image: Newsquest)

He was also awarded a Doctor of Science from the University of Bradford in 2011 for his work as an honorary professor at the university and as director of the burns unit.

Prof Sharpe continued to be a well-known figure in Bradford and attended the official opening of The Broadway shopping centre alongside then City manager Phil Parkinson.

 

Ajay Mahajan, consultant plastic surgeon and director of research at PSBRU, paid tribute to his predecessor, Prof Sharpe.

He said: “Today marks an end of an era for us. Although David had retired some time ago, he was still omnipresent.

“It is with great sadness that we have to come to terms with him not being with us anymore.

“To say that David was a legend in our world of Plastic Surgery would be an understatement.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Prof Sharpe, centre, at the opening of The Broadway in November 2015Prof Sharpe, centre, at the opening of The Broadway in November 2015 (Image: Newsquest)

“He was a highly skilled surgeon, a great personality and a mentor to hundreds of plastic surgery trainees over the years.

“He has trained and helped build careers for quite a few of us, all of whom will remember him forever with great fondness.”

Prof Mahajan added that the unit will now look to continue Prof Sharpe’s legacy.

He added: “David was the founding director of our Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU) and under his supervision we have conducted many research projects over the years.

“This work has been published and presented at various national and international meetings, which David was an integral part of.

“As much as we will miss his physical presence, he will always be in our memories, and we will continue to make his legacy proud though the work we do at our research unit.”

Ryan Sparks, Bradford City chief executive officer, said: “On behalf of everyone at Bradford City AFC, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to Professor Sharpe’s loved ones at this difficult time.

“He played a vital role in the lives of so many people following the Valley Parade Fire Disaster, and helped hundreds recover from the tragedy.

“It was an exceptionally difficult period for our football club, and the research unit he founded - and work he did - has gone on to help thousands of others across the world since.

“He leaves behind a wonderful legacy, and will be forever remembered by everyone connected to our club.”