The mother of a murdered seven-year-old boy is urging Bradford people to 'buy a brick' and help build a retreat for victims' families.

Denise Copley, of Wibsey, Bradford, is regional co-ordinator of the support group Mothers Against Murder and Aggression (MAMAA).

Its latest fundraising campaign aims to raise £350,000 for a retreat which would provide respite for the parents and relatives of murdered children.

Mrs Copley joined the support group after the murder of her son Jonathan in February, 1995 at her then home in Southfield Lane, Little Horton, Bradford,.

The youngster and his 15-year-old babysitter, Rachel Rooney, were stabbed to death with a pair of scissors by Tariq Rehman in a frenzied attack.

Forensic scientists carried out a painstaking search of the murder scene - which left Mrs Copley unable to return to her home for several days.

Now MAMAA wants to build a national retreat for families who find themselves in a similar position, want to escape the glare of publicity, or who need a break at a later date.

Mrs Copley will be helping to launch the fundraising campaign, which gives individuals, businesses and organisations the chance to 'Buy a Brick' for a £1 donation.

Mrs Copley said: "If everyone gives a pound to the Buy a Brick campaign we'll have enough money to build the retreat.

"Unfortunately, these kinds of crimes are not a rare occurrence, they are happening every day. A retreat would be of great benefit to families of victims."

Members of MAMAA, including families of children killed in the Dunblane tragedy, have already visited a similar retreat in Australia.

Lyn Costello, one of the founding members of MAMAA, said: "We've asked for funding from the Government, National Lottery and other organisations - but they don't consider it an important enough venture.

"It is vital. For victims like Denise, homes can be turned into crime scenes. We want to build a centre like the one in Australia so families have somewhere to go."

Anyone who wants to support the Buy a Brick campaign, organise their own fundraising event, or find out more about MAMAA can ring Lyn Costello on (0171) 209 4856.

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