Bradford's Lord Mayor is appealing to local celebrities to help endorse his appeal to help premature babies.

Councillor Tony Miller, who lost his own twins after they were born prematurely 38 years ago, is wanting to hear from well-known figures in the district who may have suffered a similar tragedy.

In a bid to save other parents from heartbreak, he has chosen to support the special care baby units at Bradford Royal Infirmary and Airedale Hospital.

"We're looking for a famous face or a well-known person who might like to help us raise as much money as we can for these worthwhile causes," he said.

"My wife Elsie and I took a long time to decide whether to reveal our own personal reasons behind the appeal but we've had such a positive response.

"It's been tremendous and quite therapeutic for us. Everyone really seems to have been touched by our story.

"There are hundreds of others who have been through a similar thing and we've received so many letters of support.

"We'd love to hear from a celebrity who may have been through the heartbreak that so many others go through and might want to help.

"It can be someone who has lost a child or who has gone through the trauma of having a sick or premature baby.

"It's not particularly financial support but the chance to appear at events and help raise awareness of the campaign."

The appeal will help BURPS - the Baby Unit Regional Parents' Society - at BRI raise £64,000 for a baby scanner. Funds will also go to the Airedale Baby and Co group which provides emotional support for parents.

"Children are our future and we want the whole community to get involved in the campaign," said Coun Miller.

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