FORMER international sports stars are throwing themselves into a charity challenge to support children in Bradford.

England footballer Danny Mills, who played for Leeds United and Manchester City, and former Yorkshire and England cricketer Anthony McGrath will skydive for One in a Million in March.

The 15,000ft Celebrity Skydive Challenge is a joint fundraiser with the Bradford Bulls Foundation and the club's boss, Robbie Hunter-Paul, is also jumping.

One in a Million director Craig McHugh said: "One In A Million charity and its rugby community partner the Bradford Bulls Foundation are looking for 40 skydivers - 20 each - to participate all Bradford event and hopefully raise £10,000 to £15,000 to benefit Bradford’s children and young people living mainly in disadvantaged areas of Bradford."

Mr Mills and Bradford-born Mr McGrath are ambassadors for One in a Million which works in partnership Bradford City and works with up to 750 children every week.

It runs a community-based projects in eight centres across the city, providing activities including football, indoor athletics, dance and educational and creative arts programmes.

Mr McHugh said the charity had been planning an event with its ambassadors for some time and he thought their involvement would encourage people to sign-up.

"I think it will really draw people in," he said.

"They're role models for our area, but especially for young people. We're also hoping to draw interest from people in the business community who want to invest into the city's young people."

The charity costs £500,000 to run a year.

"It's a lot of money to find every year, but we do it and since we started the charity we reach between 600 and 750 children every week."

The Bradford Bulls Foundation is celebrating its tenth anniversary this month.

General manager Mark Winder said: "This is our ten year anniversary celebration working alongside the club and alongside other charities in West Yorkshire in order to make Bradford a better place, but in addition we want to give every child the opportunity to play rugby league in Bradford."

The Foundation works with schools and community groups to help children play sport.

"We're aware that physical activity levels are low and obesity levels are high," Mr Winder added.

He said the Bulls' chief executive officer, Mr Hunter-Paul, was trying to convince his brother, Henry Paul, to take part as well.

"He's been speaking to an awful lot of people about it," Mr Winder said.

"He's looking forward to it."

To sign up for the event, which is on Saturday, March 28, at Hibaldstow Airfield in North Lincolnshire, email Mr McHugh at events@oneinamillion.org.uk or call 01274 723439 or contact Mr Winder at mark.winder@bradfordbulls.co.uk or on 01274 729728.

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