A surgeon who took the lead in tending to burns victims in the aftermath of the Bradford City fire disaster is to receive an honorary degree.

Professor David Sharpe OBE, the director of the Plastic Surgery and Burns Unit at Bradford and Airedale Teaching and Primary Care Trust, is one of six distinguished professionals in line to be given special recognition by the University of Bradford.

He will be awarded a Doctor of Science at a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, July 20 for his work as an honorary professor at the University and as director of the burns unit.

Explaining the decision, the University said Prof Sharpe has a very strong record in developing the next generation of plastic surgeons regionally and nationally.

Since being lead surgeon following the Valley Parade fire 25 years ago, he has worked to improve patient care through innovation.

Next Monday, Trevor Higgins, chairman of the Bradford Employment and Skills Board, will be made a Doctor of the University for his contribution to the city and the wider region through voluntary work especially within the learning and employer networks.

Bradford businessman Zulfi Hussain will be honoured at the same time, receiving a Doctor of Education for his work in coaching, mentoring, diversity and promoting social inclusion. He founded the company Global Based Synergy Solutions and not-for-profit charity Global Promise.

Dr Leonidas Donskis will receive a Doctor of Letters next Tuesday for his work as a Member of the European Parliament from 2009 and his extensive work as an academic and scholar, including his Leverhulme Trust Visiting Research Fellowship at the University of Bradford.

Two further Bradford men will become Doctors of Engineering – Professor John Smith on Tuesday and Lawrence Neil Tomlinson on Wednesday.

Prof Smith is regarded as an outstanding engineer and automotive industry executive by the University.

He has a track record of achievement in the automotive industry and has supported the University of Bradford’s links with industry for more than 15 years, it said.

The University added that Mr Tomlinson will be recognised for his commitment to improving the lives of the elderly and commitment to engineering, ecoversity and equality.

  • Read the full story Tuesday’s T&A