A 94-year-old Bradford City fire disaster victim burgled by teenagers has been visited by her soccer hero for the second time in her life.

Ethel Grice had a surprise call from City captain Stuart McCall who was told about her misfortune by police.

And Stuart, who dropped in with a bunch of flowers, remembered Ethel from when he visited City fire victims at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield in 1985.

Ethel said: "He really cheered me up. It was nice to see him again. Stuart and the other players used to come and see us in hospital.

"I haven't been to Valley Parade since the fire but I get all the games recorded and I watch them on telly. I sit in my chair, kicking the air with the best of them."

Ethel, who lives with niece Margaret Sutcliffe in Pollard Park, was burgled by two teenage boys who walked in through an unlocked front door.

She saw them walking out of her bedroom but was unable to stop them escaping with her jewellery.

A life-long City fan, Ethel suffered severe burns to her back and head in the Bradford City fire. She was treated in the Pinderfields burns unit for nine weeks and Stuart used to call in on her after visiting his own father who was injured in the stands.

She was also visited by the late Princess of Wales.

He said: "I remembered Ethel as soon as I saw her. She was always in good spirits.

"About ten people with the most serious injuries were taken to Pinderfields.

"What's happened to her is nasty. The burglary has shaken her up."

PC Anthony Knox, who arranged the visit, said: "By coincidence I was investigating a sneak-in burglary at Valley Parade and I mentioned

what had happened to Mrs Grice to the club secretary. Stuart

was pleased to help. It's nice because she's been really distressed.''

e-mail:david.firth.

@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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