FOOTBALL hardman Danny Mills has told how the death of his unborn son inspired him to help other stricken parents.

The Middlesbrough and England star's family was left devastated in 2002 after his wife, Lisa, lost the baby - who they named Archie - five months into her pregnancy.

A routine scan had revealed that Archie was suffering from spina bifida and hydrocephalus, also known as water on the brain.

The pair were so shaken by the trauma that 26-year-old Mills cast aside his tough image to launch a campaign to help other couples facing the same situation.

The defender set up a charity appeal after Lisa, 27, discovered she was expecting another boy, born last year.

The Danny Mills Appeal aims to raise £300,000 to help sufferers in support of the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.

Mills has three children - four-year-old George, two-year-old May and Stanley, born last November.

He said: "I would just like to help people who go through the same thing. If we can help anyone else's pain by any percentage, then all the work will be worthwhile."