A little over a year ago, we launched a campaign dear to the hearts of every person in Bradford.

We learned that coronary heart disease claims the lives of more than 90,000 people in the UK each year, with around 30 per cent of all deaths in Bradford caused by heart and circulatory disease.

But we were also told that we could do something about these shocking figures, by backing the Beating Hearts In Bradford Appeal, run by the British Heart Foundation. So we agreed.

The aim was to raise enough money to buy an essential and lifesaving piece of equipment – a 3D echocardiograph.

But in doing so, we were setting readers an enormous challenge, because such equipment is not cheap.

The fund stood at £30,000 when the T&A and its readers joined in. Today, we are proud to say that it has reached its £105,000 target.

It is an incredible sum of money for you, our readers, to have helped raise, especially as times have not been easy these last 12 months.

Once again, it speaks volumes for the caring spirit and generosity of the people of this district.

But, in truth, it comes as no surprise, because whenever Bradfordians have been asked to do their bit for a good cause, they have not been found wanting.

We would like to thank everyone who, in whatever way, has helped this appeal. Quite simply, you have been tremendous.