Local football team donate privacy pram to hospital

Players at Sands United FC Dudley, a football support team made up of bereaved dads who have all experienced the loss of a baby, have donated a privacy pram to Russell’s Hall Hospital.

Over the past few years, with the support of the local community, the group have been raising funds, and working closely with the hospital, to find a meaningful way to give something back that would make a real difference to families experiencing loss.

A privacy pram provides a safe, dignified and discreet way for babies to be transported within a hospital setting, giving parents and loved ones the opportunity to spend precious final moments with their baby in a more peaceful and personal way

Whether that's taking a walk in the hospital gardens or accompanying their baby on their final journey to the mortuary, during an unimaginably difficult time it offers families privacy, compassion and the chance to create precious memories together.

The team's manager, Jake Hildred, said: "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.

"We hope this donation brings some comfort and dignity to families when they need it most and 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.

"Sands United FC Dudley was founded by me following the loss of my daughter, Eveleigh, in 2023. Following my own experience of baby loss, I wanted to create a place where dads could come together, support one another and realise they do not have to face their grief alone.

"While we wish a privacy pram never had to be used, the reality is that many families sadly experience the loss of a baby. Knowing that this pram will be there to offer comfort, dignity and precious moments together during such difficult times makes us incredibly proud to be able to give something back to our local hospital and community."