Jamelia Backs Premature Baby Campaign

Posted February 28, 200718 yr

Celebrities have thrown their weight behind a charity campaign as figures show that four babies die every day after premature births.

Sarah, Duchess of York, who is patron of the charity Tommy's, told of her sister Jane's heartache at losing four babies during pregnancy.

More research is needed into the causes of premature birth, she said, as she backed the Stop Premature Births campaign.

Singers Jamelia, Kim Wilde and Kym Marsh are also behind the call, together with model Nell McAndrew, TV presenters Anthea Turner and Andrea Catherwood, and actors Amanda Holden and Richard E Grant.

The Duchess of York said in an open letter: "My sister Jane has suffered terribly and this is what she has to say: I have lost four babies at different stages of pregnancy, 4.5, 5 and 5.5 months and the fourth at 8.5 months.

"Not a day goes by, even today - and I have three wonderful children - when I do not ask someone why and how.

"The trauma of being in a maternity ward with other mothers who had their babies and then having to name and bury Sophie is something I will always live with."

Mother-of-two Jamelia said: "Looking at my two beautiful girls, I can't bear to imagine what life without them would be like.

"But that's a reality far too many parents face every single day in this country when their precious baby is born prematurely."

People can support the charity by buying a Stop Premature Births pin badge, from shops including New Look, or a children's zip pull from Boots stores that sell clothing.