MyLahore Founder Named Bradford Hospitals Charity Ambassador

Local entrepreneur Ishfaq Farooq appointed as first official ambassador

Bradford Hospitals Charity has announced the appointment of Ishfaq Farooq, co-founder of the MyLahore restaurant group, as its first official ambassador. The charity supports Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust by funding projects and equipment that are not covered by NHS budgets.

Background and community involvement

Ishfaq Farooq is a Bradford-born businessman known for his role in establishing MyLahore, a family-run restaurant group with several awards. Beyond his business activities, he has been involved in community work and charitable activities for many years. His support for Bradford Hospitals Charity spans over a decade, including providing meals to frontline staff and patients, as well as donating furniture and equipment aimed at improving patient care and experience.

Statements from Ishfaq Farooq and charity representatives

Commenting on his new role, Ishfaq Farooq said he was honoured to be the first ambassador for the charity and expressed his commitment to raising awareness and supporting fundraising efforts for the benefit of patients, staff, and the wider community in Bradford. He described Bradford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as “like family,” reflecting his personal connection to the local health services.

Laura Riach, Director of Bradford Hospitals Charity, welcomed the appointment, highlighting Ishfaq’s long-standing generosity and support. She noted the charity’s current focus on the ‘Home from Home’ appeal, which aims to build free accommodation for families with premature or unwell babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary. This cause is reportedly significant to Ishfaq Farooq.

Support from NHS and trustees

The executive team at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the charity’s trustees have endorsed the appointment. They emphasised that having respected local business leaders involved helps raise the profile of the charity’s work, which benefits patients, families, and NHS staff throughout the district.

About Bradford Hospitals Charity

Bradford Hospitals Charity is the official charity partner of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. It collaborates with the Trust’s 8,000 staff members to support initiatives beyond what NHS funding can provide. The charity raises funds to purchase equipment, support research, and improve services and facilities across Bradford’s hospitals.

More information about the charity and how to support its work can be found on its website: bradfordhospitalscharity.org.