Health Matters: Health research project ends

On Christmas Eve, the last women will be invited to join the project and the recruitment office will close its doors for the final time after recruiting almost 14,000 local mothers. The original target of 10,000 babies was reached in February of this year and the study has been so popular and successful that by Christmas Eve nearly 14,000 mothers and their infants will have been enrolled. This represents about 60 per cent of all women who have had their babies at Bradford Royal Infirmary since recruitment began in March 2007.

BiB's main areas of research include looking into what causes diabetes, asthma and eczema, obesity, heart disease, sudden infant death syndrome and the high rate of infant mortality in Bradford. For more information visit www.borninbradford.nhs.uk.

Chandra heads for the heights

Chandra Patel is climbing Kilamanjaro to raise 10,000 for The Haven, so the breast cancer charity can secure a permanent base in Yorkshire and continue its vital services to women.

Girls Aloud's Kimberly Walsh said: "Having completed Kilimanjaro myself last year, I know how tough it is mentally and physically, but not as tough as being diagnosed with breast cancer.

"Chandra is raising funds for The Haven, a breast cancer support service and a charity close to my heart. I wish her the best of luck."

Chandra said: "Kimberly gave me loads of advice about my challenge for which I am very grateful. My employers, with whom I have worked for 20 years, Traveleads/Evans have been exceptionally supportive and have agreed to match the money I raise, I am truly lucky to have such employers and feel very emotional about all the support I have received."

Visit www.justgiving.com/Chandra-climbs-Kili2010. To find out how you can help the appeal call The Yorkshire Haven on 0113 284 7800.

'Elfy' living for festive times

Santa will be joining Leeds Partnerships NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Leeds, Leeds City Council and partners from across the city in their "elfy" Christmas event. The festively themed health event will be held tomorrow on Albion Street, Leeds, between 10.30am and 4.00pm. The event has been designed to raise awareness around feelings of depression, stress and anxiety during the holidays. For more information about this event go to www.leedspft.nhs.uk