Lincolnshire charity football match raises awareness for baby loss services
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity teams up with construction company Balfour Beatty to raise funds and awareness for baby loss
As part of Baby Loss Awareness Week, United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity is set to host a special charity football match to raise awareness and funds for baby loss services across Lincolnshire.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm on Friday, 16th October, at Lincoln Moorlands Railway FC.
Connor Hill, the charity fundraiser for United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity, shared the event’s significance: “This match is more than a game of football. It is about raising awareness about a subject that is difficult to talk about. There are national initiatives around baby loss, but how many in our community even know about them?”
The match aims to extend support to fathers who often feel overlooked in such discussions, providing a space for reflection and engagement. Connor says: "What we're trying to achieve is bringing people together and giving families a chance to reflect and connect with one another".
Connor continues to say: "I think dad's often internalise their feelings and put on a brave face as they're both going through an incredibly tough time. So I hope that with this football match we can give them that space to reflect and have an enjoyable evening".
While the footwork may not be fantastic, the charity say it's about bringing people together to raise awareness and funds for a vital cause.
Additionally, the match holds personal significance for Andrew and Zoe, who lost their son, Zachary, in 2018. Andrew explained the crucial support needed for grieving fathers: “Dads are grieving too. They have lost their baby, their hopes, their plans, and the future they imagined.”
The football match proceeds will fund Petals bereavement counselling services, providing psychological support to families experiencing loss, a service not covered by existing NHS budgets.
“If we can spread the word that support is out there and if we can raise much-needed funds, then the match will certainly have been worth playing,” Connor Hill stated.
For locals, the match offers an opportunity to unite, converse, and back essential services, all while enjoying a spirited evening of football.