A developer based in the Bristol area has given £680 to a city football club for dads who have lost a child

News
21/04/2020

Bellway South West, which has its regional headquarters in Almondsbury near Bristol, gave the money to Sands United Bristol FC. It will be used to buy the team’s away kit.


Sands is a national charity that focuses on stillbirth and neonatal death. The football club aims to get bereaved dads from the Bristol area together for training and matches.


Club member Adam Sturgeon (38) said:

“This is a key donation from Bellway, and we’ll have the company’s logo on our away shirts.

“The club exists just as a place where dads can get together. You enjoy your sport and you can talk as much or as little as you want.”


Sands, founded in 1978, exists to reduce the number of babies dying and to ensure that anyone affected by the death of a baby receives the best possible care and support.


The charity works with governments and other organisations to drive change and raise awareness of the issues relating to baby loss.


It also provides bereavement support services, including the Sands Freephone helpline on 0808 164 3332. There’s a charity website at www.sands.org.uk.


Rachel Way, Sales Manager for Bellway South West, said:

“We were only too pleased to give money to this very worthwhile case.

“Sands has been going for more than 40 years and has helped hundreds of people affected by the death of a baby.”


Adam said:

“The first Sands United football clubs started in Northampton and now there are a few around the country. We look forward to playing with the Bellway name on our shirts, especially at the 1st Sands United National tournament in Brighton this July.

“We train every other week in the Bristol area, and we’re mostly aged from 30 to 50 with varying levels of fitness. You can get in touch with the club through a Facebook page – Sands United Bristol FC.

“Personally, I lost my son Oscar 10 years ago when he was four weeks old. At the time the emotion was very raw, but it’s important for people to know there is support available to help during these difficult times who you can speak with who understands how your are feeling.

“While I will never forget Oscar, I now have two kids, aged nine and seven. There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”


Bellway South West has new homes in Bristol at Abbotscroft in Hanham, as well as at other developments across the region. More information is available at bellway.co.uk.