The special football team where dads can share their loss together
The death of a baby is an unthinkable tragedy for most people; for some it is a terrible reality.
But when Sands United FC stepped onto Charlton Athletic FC’s pitch at The Valley, to play against a Charlton/Oxleas NHS team, there was a mixture of excitement and poignancy. The significance of the match was never far from anyone’s mind.
Sands is a stillbirth and neonatal charity, supporting bereaved parents and aiming to reduce the number of babies dying in the future. Thoughts naturally go towards the mother when a baby does not survive before, during or soon after their birth, but the grief can be as immense for the dads too.
Sands United FC was formed in 2018 by Rob Allen, following a charity football match where the proceeds went to the Sands charity after he and his partner Charlotte lost their baby Niamh.
See our film: vimeo.com/713324461
Find out more
If you want to find out more about Sands, including the various support groups offered, please visit their website at: www.sands.org.uk
Sands United FC Kent also have their own Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/sandsunitedfckent
Engage No.4 Summer 2022