A cancer expert in Bradford has paid tribute to a man instrumental in helping patients in the city and the UK.

Dr Chris Bradley, who is clinical director of cancer services at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said Arnold Moore who died last week aged 93, had left an “immense legacy”.

Businessman Mr Moore was moved to set up the city’s War On Cancer charity in the 1970s after his wife, Margot, died of breast cancer.

He wanted to support research being done in the city into the disease, and with regular funding from the charity was able to improve research facilities and recruit more staff.

Nine months after the start of the charity in 1975, the appeal had hit its original target of £100,000, and in 1976, the Telegraph & Argus held its Give Us A Ring campaign to urge people to help the charity by collecting ring pulls.

By 1982 the first laboratory specifically for cancer research was created. War On Cancer financed its running and most of the staff, and eventually also contributed to the appointment of an extra consultant oncologist at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

In 1983, War On Cancer had collected more than £500,000 and by its tenth anniversary, its total topped £2 million.

The charity was chosen by six Lord Mayors of Bradford as their nominated cause, while hundreds from all over the district also raised money.

Among the fundraising events were four charity balls, special shows at the Alhambra and support from big businesses. Mr Moore, of Rawdon, became an honorary doctor at Bradford University in the late Eighties.

War On Cancer merged with the then Cancer Research Campaign in 1999 – now known as Cancer Research UK.

He was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List.

In his own tribute, Dr Bradley said: “Arnold’s legacy to Bradford and the UK in the fight against cancer is immense.

“He was both an instrumental and influential character whose fundraising, which ran to millions, benefited cancer patients in the city and beyond.

”The merger of his charity, War On Cancer, with Cancer Research UK, has allowed his incredible work to reap benefits locally, nationally and internationally.”

Details will be announced later of a thanksgiving service to be held in celebration of Mr Moore’s life.