Bradford women who have tragically lost babies are campaigning to raise awareness of problems in pregnancy.

Anne Cowman, 35, of Apperley Bridge, Bradford, lost her baby Katy when she went into premature labour at 32 weeks.

Katy's death left a huge hole in Anne and husband Paul's lives, but Anne has used the experience to help other women in similar situations.

And as chairman of the Bradford-based Yorkshire branch of Tommy's Campaign, which funds research into miscarriages, stillbirth and premature birth, she helped bring vital research programmes to the Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Along with group secretary Elaine Law, 42, of Idle, and other members, the group has arranged a number of events to raise funds and awareness.

Elaine, who has two daughters Nicola, 18, and Helen, 16, had a miscarriage 20 years ago.

She said: "We feel a lot of people, and even some hospitals and professionals connected with childbirth, don't know about Tommy's and the work the charity does."

And to mark Baby Day 2000, a national charity event in aid of Tommy's Campaign on June 16, the Bradford group has arranged a party in the park at Calverley Park next Saturday from 3pm to 5pm.

The event will be visited by a giant Winnie the Pooh and Tigger and include a balloon race and face painting.

Funds raised will go towards foetal research and the causes of premature birth.

Anne, who has a four-year-old son Thomas, and Louise, 17 months, said: "Losing a baby is one of the worst things that can happen to a woman and the group helps raise awareness of the importance of research into why it happens, and also to help other women in similar situations.

"When you've carried a baby around for all those months but you lose her or him you feel like an empty shopping bag but you have no shopping in the cupboard to show for it."

Anyone interested in the group can contact Anne Cowman on Bradford 622419, or Elaine Law on 610956.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.