Days left to apply for Bradford's Christmas Stars Appeal

For more than two decades, people across the district have remembered a loved one by placing a dedicated Christmas star on a huge tree at City Hall.

The annual Christmas Star Appeal, organised in partnership with the Telegraph & Argus since its inception, is set to mark its 21st year this December.

The appeal was launched in late October and the closing date for nominations is Monday, December 2.

Families and friends return year after year to pay tribute to those who are no longer here.

Susan Moorhouse placed her first gold star on the tree 18 years ago.

It has since become a family tradition, reaching through three generations of the Moorhouses. 

She is joined most years by her daughter Natalie and granddaughter Lloretta-Clare.

Against a backdrop of carol singers, Lloretta-Clare placed her first star on the tree - with a little help - as a baby. She is now 16 and still values those special memories.

“I first started in 2006 because that’s when my mum passed away and now we buy them for my mum and, the last three years, my nephew, my sister, and two really, really good friends," said Susan. 

“I’ve always bought the Telegraph and still buy the Telegraph so I saw it in the paper.

"I thought, that’s a good idea. I had never heard of it before."

She added: "My daughter absolutely worshipped my mum. She’s always done it for her daughter to keep her nan’s memory alive.”

Lloretta-Clare is a keen rugby player for Bradford Bulls’ 2025 women's team and Stanningley Ladies.

She won’t be attending the family’s Christmas tradition this year as she will be training for one of her biggest matches yet.

But she will be carrying her great nan’s memory in every stride, having been named after her.

Speaking about the impact of the Christmas Stars appeal, Susan said: “I always felt as if my mum was there.

Christmas stars from a previous year's event “It was always a big thing - Christmas, even now my daughter, her house is like Santa’s Grotto. She’s got four or five Christmas trees! 

“It’s what we got from my mum and dad. My dad always used to make his Christmas decorations and put them outside. He used to make Santa on his sledge and all sorts of things.”

(Image: T&A) To attend the special event, fill in the coupon on this page before the closing date. You will then be invited to the Banqueting Suite at City Hall on Wednesday, December 4, for a tea or coffee and a mince pie with the Lord Mayor and to place your Christmas star on the tree.

The event has been sponsored by local businesses and individuals, such as The Smart Printing Company, which has provided the stars and invitations free of charge.

The Fairfax Singers will be providing musical entertainment.

All the funds raised from this event will support The Lord Mayor’s “Ambition Academy” Appeal.