IT IS 11 years since the devastating earthquake that killed more than 87,000 in the Azed Kashmir region of Pakistan, and left thousands more injured and homeless.

This was a disaster that touched many lives in Bradford, with a large number of people having family and friends in the region.

And it left the region with its infrastructure shattered.

But it also led to a huge response, including incredible generosity from Telegraph & Argus readers, who raised more than £80,000 to help fund a hospital in the city of Musaffarabad.

PAKISTAN HOSPITAL PART-FUNDED BY T&A APPEAL SET TO CELEBRATE THIRD ANNIVERSARY

Providing free medical care to the embattled people of the region, the facility is a testament to the magnificent response of the people of Bradford who put their hands in their pockets to help after this disaster.

The number of people with family links to Azas Kasmir is one of the reasons why the effects of this earthquake were so keenly felt here. Now the bond between our district and this region is even stronger, with one of the hospital’s two wards named after the Telegraph & Argus to recognise our readers incredible generosity.

The hospital is set to celebrate its third anniversary this year, and has helped thousands of patients.

The people of Bradford once again showed big-hearted response to this disaster – we know from our appeals that they are always prepared to step up and help, even in times of austerity.

Anyone who donated to help fund this hospital should look at the pictures of the facility they helped to pay for and feel proud.