Who will be your Christmas star this year?
The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Doreen Lee, has launched this year's Christmas Star Appeal by dedicating a tribute to her daughter and is inviting people to remember
Each year, people can dedicate gold stars in memory of family or friends which are placed on the Christmas tree in the banqueting hall at City Hall.
The Christmas Star evening is one of the most poignant dates in the civic calendar and I know that it means a great deal to the people of the district" - Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Doreen Lee
The evening sees around 200 tributes dedicated to late family and friends during December which form an important part of the festive appeal.
The Christmas Stars Appeal is run in partnership with the Telegraph & Argus.
Cllr Lee said: "My star is for my beautiful daughter Shelley Arda, the brightest star in the sky, on behalf of myself, my husband, daughter and son.
"The Christmas Star evening is one of the most poignant dates in the civic calendar and I know that it means a great deal to the people of the district. It is a marvellous opportunity for everyone to come together and remember loved ones and the special people in their lives at the Christmas season, while also supporting two very worthy causes.
"I look forward to seeing as many people as possible on the night and being able to share stories with them, over a mince pie and a cup of coffee."
The stars are £5 each to buy and all the money raised is donated to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, which this year is going towards supporting Child Bereavement UK and The Pot of Gold Appeal.
Established in 1994, Child Bereavement UK not only provide confidential support to families - helping them to rebuild their lives - but also educate professionals both when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, and when a child is facing bereavement.
Every year they train more than 10,000 professionals, helping them to better understand and meet the needs of grieving families.
The Pot of Gold Appeal will provide small grants for smaller groups, organisations and projects locally across the Bradford District.
Cllr Lee said: "There are some fantastic things going on throughout the area organised by the community and voluntary sector and it can often be difficult for groups and organisations to find funding for their projects, events and activities.
"My appeal would like to be able to offer these smaller pots of funding to enable these groups to fulfil their dreams and enhance their projects further without having to spend extra time raising money."
To include the name of some special to you, fill out the coupon and send it with payment to the Lord Mayor's office by the closing date of November 27.
You can also ring and pay over the phone by card.
You will then be invited to attend the reception and see your star on the tree.
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