A Bradford-based Asian food company has thrown its weight behind the Telegraph & Argus Bradford Can... Cancer Research Appeal.

Mumtaz is backing the £1 million appeal for cancer research in Bradford as it nears its target.

Restaurant owner Mumtaz Khan was introduced to the cause by Bradford athlete Zaf Shah.

Mr Shah has been fundraising for the appeal since last year but the cause was brought closer to home when his brother Abid was diagnosed with cancer last September.

After being approached by Mr Shah, the owners of Mumtaz have vowed to try to raise about £50,000 for the appeal.

Mr Shah said when his 52-year-old brother was diagnosed with kidney cancer last September, its devastating effects were brought home.

"I was already involved with the appeal but I never thought cancer would be so close," he said.

"Abid is being treated now and we are just keeping our fingers crossed"

Mr Shah said his brother's illness, together with his job as a clinical assistant for North Bradford and City Primary Care Trusts, had made him want to raise awareness of cancer even more.

"Because of my job, I am working very hard to educate the Asian community on healthcare issues,'' he said.

"Cancer touches everyone and it has come quite close to home for myself. Working with Mumtaz has been fantastic as its is behind me 100 per cent."

The first in a series of fundraising schemes by Mumtaz starts this week when a new charging policy will be introduced at its car-park.

Every car will be asked to pay £1 to park, all of which will go to the Bradford Can... Appeal.

Drivers will also be given information about the appeal, which now stands at £865,000.

Mr Khan said the 130-space car park was full most evenings and so he hoped the scheme would be a good boost.

He said: "I think the appeal is doing fantastic work and Mumtaz is all about helping the community."

Tish Burton, Bradford Can... Appeal manager, said the Mumtaz had also bought two tables at the Celebration Ball on February 15.

Places at the tables for the event at the Hilton Hotel in Bradford will be offered to volunteers who have worked for the appeal.

Mrs Burton said: "We are very pleased Mumtaz has offered its help and I hope its fundraising will be a big success.''

She added: "Although we are so close to the target, we still need all the help we can get if we are to reach the £1 million on time."

As well as its restaurant on Great Horton Road, Mumtaz also supplies major supermarkets with food.

The Bradford Can... Appeal will fund research into new anti-cancer drugs at Bradford University's Cancer Research Unit and their testing at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Once the £1 million target has been raised, Cancer Research UK will put another £5 million into the cause.