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Beginning in 2007 researchers have recruited 14,000 mothers and babies across this city. Each has donated blood and tissue samples and completed a lengthy questionnaire, running to 42 pages, detailing diet, family structures, relationships, incomes, mental and physical health. The project is run by Professor John Wright, a consultant clinical epidemiologist at Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust, who said that Born in Bradford had set in motion a quiet revolution in the city:

鈥淭here鈥檚 much more recognition that just being part of the study has made mothers much more aware of diet and health and many say they have made changes to improve their health.

鈥淲hat鈥檚 also interesting is the effect it鈥檚 had on galvanising the city 鈥� when we set out on the study we didn鈥檛 realise it would become part of the city鈥檚.鈥�
鈥淭his spotlight of research makes you think about your health much more: because we鈥檙e always asking questions it does trigger changes and the other aspect of it is the results that the study is producing. We鈥檝e found very clear evidence about being in green spaces and the impact on the future long term health of the baby,鈥� says Professor Wright.

The research began in response to poor health in the city and high levels of child morbidity and mortality. Bradford had child mortality rates twice the national average 鈥� and rising at a time when they were falling everywhere else. Radio 4 has been given exclusive access to this research and to some of the families taking part, returning year after year to chart progress in a series of documentaries.

Producer: Sue Mitchell