Charity event inspired by tragic loss of baby

Mar 16 2010 by Cathrina Hulse

A DEVASTATED couple are hoping a charity golf day will raise at least £10,000 for Sands (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Charity) after their baby girl was stillborn at 37 weeks.

Ryan and Amy Jackson from Balsall Common suffered the tragic loss earlier this month when little Lily Mae became one of the 17 babies to be stillborn or die shortly after birth each day in the UK.

The pair who have a son, three-year-old Alfie, are determined the Golf Day at Henley Golf Club in Henley-in-Arden on Friday April 30 will help research into stillbirths.

Ryan, a PE teacher said: “People don’t understand that there are 17 stillbirths each day and it’s for that reason we are holding the event to raise funds into research. Although we are going through an incredibly difficult time, I feel that I need to achieve something positive from our current, awful experience.

“I am looking for local businesses to offer their support for my Golf Charity Day with a donation from businesses of £100 per Tee or per Hole. This will enable them to advertise for three days prior to the event around the course throughout the day.”

The competition will be a Four Ball (Team) and Individual Stableford, with team and individual prizes. There is an entry fee of £180 (£45pp) per team of four which includes tea/coffee on arrival and registration, 18 holes of golf, presentation evening meal, entertainment, raffle and charity auction.

The 28 year-old, who grew up in Knowle, was full of praise for staff at Solihull Hospital who supported him and wife Amy, a teacher for the hearing impaired. “The hospital and midwives pointed my wife and I to SANDS, they were fantastic.”

Local businesses sponsoring the event include Cotswolde BMW Hereford, The Herefordshire Golf Academy, Joseph Ash Ltd, John Shepherd, Glasses2you.co.uk, Complete Cricket, Charles Darby, Ellora, GT Services, Bodyworks, In and Out Fitness and Bureau.

If you would like to take part in the Golf Day or help with prizes for the raffle and auction, contact Ryan on 07853 969073 or email ryry51@hotmail.com or Mick Jackson on 07900 086127 or email mickjjackson@aol.com.

Visit SANDS at www.uk-sands.org for more information about the charity.