The grandparents of a baby boy who suffers Down Syndrome are collecting a ton of copper for a “vital service” which helps children with the condition.

Tony and Maureen Burke, of Thornhill Drive, Shipley, are collecting 1ps and 2ps for the Down Syndrome Training and Support Service, based in Thackley.

They are urging people to donate a ton of coppers – estimated to be about £3,000 – for the service, which has helped their 18-month-old grandson Jay.

He was born with a hole in his heart and had to undergo emergency surgery when he was less than six months old.

Mr Burke said: “There is just this one Down Syndrome support place which covers the whole of Bradford and which has helped Jay so much. It is a vital service for people with Down Syndrome.”

He has already delivered £604 –or 33.5 stones – of 1ps and 2ps to HSBC bank in Bradford city centre.

It is the first of five trips to the bank in his appeal to help the service, run by Dr Wendy Uttley at the Pamela Sunter Centre in Town Lane.

Mr and Mrs Burke have collected the money with the help of generous family members, friends and work colleagues.

Their son David Burke, Jay’s dad, who is a 38-year-old firefighter, is also collecting from colleagues at Idle fire station.

Mr Burke, who works for Bradford Council, appealed to others to donate their loose change to the appeal.

He said: “We would be thrilled if anyone can help us with this mammoth task by donating any 1ps or 2ps, or any spare change we can turn into copper.”

The money will pay for the charity’s services, which include home visits, parent support packs and training for midwives and medical students.

It also provides a monthly newsletter, a library of books and resources and organises outings for families and speech and language groups.

Wendy Rhodes, deputy co-ordinator for the Down Support Training & Support Service, said: “Mr and Mrs Burke have been really enthusiastic about raising money for the group, which is wonderful. This is something completely different and we really appreciate it.”

Anyone wishing to donate should contact Mr Burke after Monday, June 21, on 07765 194604.