Haskovo's theatre and the Bell Tower in Yamacha park, next to the Holy Mother of God monument, will be lit purple on 15 November, World Prematurity Day, Haskovo municipality and the Ivan Dimov State Drama Theatre said.

The lights are part of the autumn campaign "Together for Premature Babies", run by the Our Premature Children Foundation, which the municipality and the theatre are joining. The purple light is a sign of support for the babies, their families and the doctors who care for them.

The organisers say every baby has the right to good care and parents should be able to stay close to their child. A premature birth often means long-term care: first in the neonatal unit, then check-ups, therapy and care after the baby goes home. Families need support, and medics look after the smallest patients.

The foundation says that for these babies and their parents, birth is only the first step on a long road full of hardship.

Nearly 10% of children in Bulgaria are born prematurely every year.