LEIGH mums are backing a crusade to end the heartache of baby deaths.

Later this year, they will be joining a Birth of Hope Appeal charity evening as part of Tommy's Campaign.

Launched in 1992, the organisation has a single goal - to make childbirth and pregnancy safer.

It is aiming to end the pain caused by premature birth, miscarriage and stillbirth.

Volunteer fund-raiser for the Leigh group, Lesley Wardle, said: "The charity says doctors know little more about problems such as stillborn babies and miscarriages than they did 30 years ago, but it is determined to reverse this.

"It believes that much more can and should be done to prevent women losing their babies during pregnancy or at birth.

"Tommy's Campaign not only provides funding for this vital research, but also supplies information about healthy pregnancy to health professionals and parents to be."

Last October, its second research centre, based at St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, was opened.

To raise money to help fund Prof Philip Baker and his team pay for the refurbishment of rooms within the hospital, and purchase equipment to create a centre of excellence which will produce ground-breaking research, Tommy's Campaign is organising The Birth of Hope Appeal.

The Leigh Branch of Tommy's Campaign invites everyone to a musical evening featuring Frisco Crabbe and The Atlantic Frantics, DJ Big Mickey Williams, dinner entertainment from close-hand magician Sean McRee, and background music from pianist Roger Hughes at the Lowry Hotel, Manchester, on November 17.

Visit www.tommys-campaign.org or contact Lesley on 01942 515075.