Privacy Pram Donated to Russells Hall Hospital
A group of bereaved fathers from Dudley has donated a special privacy pram to Russells Hall Hospital, aiming to bring comfort and dignity to families facing the unimaginable loss of a baby. The pram, handed over on Wednesday, July 1, provides a discreet and compassionate way for babies to be transported within the hospital, allowing parents to spend precious final moments with their child.
Support from Sands United FC Dudley
Sands United FC Dudley, a football team for fathers who have experienced baby loss, raised funds for the pram with the help of Kewford Eagles. Jake Hildred, the team's manager, explained the significance: "A privacy pram provides a safe, dignified and discreet way for babies to be transported within a hospital setting. It gives parents and loved ones the opportunity to spend precious final moments with their baby in a more peaceful and personal way, whether that is taking a walk in the hospital gardens or accompanying their baby on their final journey to the mortuary."
Comfort During Difficult Times
Hildred, who founded the team in 2023 after losing his daughter Eveleigh, emphasized the emotional impact: "During an unimaginably difficult time, it offers families privacy, compassion and the chance to create precious memories together. As a team made up of fathers who understand the heartbreak of baby loss first-hand, being able to donate something that will support other families through one of the hardest moments of their lives means an enormous amount to us."
A Community Effort
The donation was made possible by the generosity of Kewford Eagles, who provided the necessary funds. Hildred added: "This donation would not have been possible without the generosity and support of Kewford Eagles, who kindly donated the funds to purchase the privacy pram. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved for helping us make this possible and for supporting bereaved families within our community."
Team Origins and Mission
Sands United FC Dudley was established by Hildred after he discovered that Sands, a stillbirth and neonatal death charity, had football teams for grieving fathers across the country, with the nearest being in Solihull. Determined to create a local support network, he launched the team to provide a space where fathers can "come together, support one another and realise they do not have to face their grief alone." The team meets at Rowley Learning Campus on Tuesdays from 6:30pm to 7:30pm for a friendly kickabout and mutual support.
How to Get Involved
For more information about Sands United FC Dudley, visit their Facebook page or email sufcdudley@gmail.com.
