Hospital charity names first fundraising ambassador
BBCA co-founder of a Bradford restaurant chain has been named the first official ambassador for the Bradford Hospitals Charity.
The charity partner of Bradford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust funds projects not covered by NHS budgets, including equipment, research, services and facilities that go beyond standard provision.
MyLahore's Ishfaq Farooq is backing a £3m fundraising campaign to build family accommodation for those with children being treated at Bradford Royal Infirmary's neonatal intensive care unit.
Farooq, 38, said it was a "great honour" to take up the role, adding: "I'm so grateful that we are in this position where we can help and support this amazing charity.
"We're a community-led business and we feel it is a vehicle to do good."
MyLahore has several restaurants, a catering business, two event venues and a recently-launched desserts shop.
Two members of the entrepreneur's family have required the neonatal intensive care unit's support, he said.
"We've personally seen and experienced the difference that the charity makes and it's a bridge between the community and the hospital," he added.
Charity director Laura Riach said she "couldn't think of anyone better" to name as its first ambassador.
"Ishfaq has been unbelievably generous and supportive of the charity for more than 10 years," she said.
"We are excited to work with him as we continue to grow the charity and as we launch our 'Home from Home' appeal.
"This is a cause very close to his heart."
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