Geoffrey Richmond today pledged to soften the blow to charities which looked certain to lose out as a result of Bradford City's financial crisis.

The City chairman, who is leading a rescue package to save the club, vowed to give a cash donation to some of the organisations affected.

More than 500 firms and other organisations have been asked to write off up to 90 per cent of money owed to them by the club to enable a rescue package drawn up by Mr Richmond and fellow directors David and Julian Rhodes to succeed.

Among those owed cash is the St John Ambulance service, which provides medical cover at matches at Valley Parade. It was due to receive £5,475 for providing up to 16 members of its team at City's home games in the second half of last season. St John had faced losing almost £5,000 of that money until Mr Richmond's conciliatory gesture.

He has vowed to give a donation to the service, along with Beckfoot School in Bingley, owed £539, and the Adel War Memorial Association, a sports club in North Leeds, which was due £450.

"In each of these three cases, it is the intention of the club to make a charitable donation to them once we come out of administration," said Mr Richmond.

Today a St John spokesman welcomed the offer.

"It is a shame when there is apparently so much money in football that charities such as the St John Ambulance have to suffer," the spokesman said.

"We rely on this money simply to operate, but, at the end of the day, it is saving lives that is important to us. If Mr Richmond wants to see us right then I would be very happy that the club has decided to make that gesture."

The City chairman has called on creditors and season ticket holders to back the deal outlined in the Creditors Voluntary Agreement (CVA) which was sent out this week. If it fails to be passed by creditors, who are owed three quarters of the club's total debt, Mr Richmond has said the club faces almost certain liquidation.

Although many small businesses due money are said to be unhappy with the offer of 10p in every £1, the CVA is expected to succeed.

Mr Richmond said the club planned to contact many of the businesses affected by the crisis once it is out of administration.

He added: "I would ask any supporter or any businessman who has any doubts to get in touch with me and I would be pleased to sit down with that person here at the club and try to dispel his or her doubts.

"I will guarantee the financial stability of the club in the future. There are better times ahead."