A football team of bereaved dads "who understand the heartbreak of baby loss first-hand" have donated a privacy pram to Russell’s Hall Hospital.
Sands United FC Dudley, formed by Jake Hildred, brings fathers together through shared activity and mutual support and was established after Jake lost his daughter, Eveleigh, in 2023.
The new privacy pram will allow families to spend final moments with their babies in a peaceful and private setting, whether walking through hospital gardens or making the final journey to the mortuary.
Jake, manager of Sands United FC Dudley, 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."
Funds for the pram were raised through community support, with Kewford Eagles donating the funds to purchase the privacy pram.
Jake, who lives in Brierley Hill, said: "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."
The privacy pram is designed to transport babies discreetly and respectfully within hospital grounds, giving parents a chance to spend meaningful time with their child in a setting of their choosing.
Kitchen Fabricator, Jake, aged 31, said: "It gives parents and loved ones the opportunity to spend precious final moments with their baby in a more peaceful and personal way.
"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."
Jake has two daughters Leila-mai, aged nine and Hallie, seven, with his wife Kiera.
Sands United FC Dudley continues to raise awareness and provide emotional support to dads facing the pain of baby loss.
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