A FOOTBALL match scored for Warwick Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit and stillbirth and neonatal death charity Sands.
It was was a collaboration between the SWFT Charity and Sands United Warwickshire FC, a team formed of bereaved dads and family members who have lost a child due to neonatal complications.
Being the official charity of South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, SWFT Charity called on local NHS staff to lace up their boots.
And after regular training sessions and the generous donation of a kit, SWFT United FC was formed.
Sands United – which raises money for the Sands charity – also commemorate their babies’ lives by displaying their names on the kit.
The teams fought out a thrilling 4-4 draw at Radford Semele Sports & Social Club near Leamington – with Sands United clinching the trophy following a penalty shoot out.
But the real winners were Warwick Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit and the Sands charity after the match and family fun day raised £2,400 to be split between the two charities.
Sands United’s man of the match Ryan Rooney said: “It was an honour to lift the trophy at the end of a long, tough match. Both teams put in a fantastic performance that was reflected in the score line, but the real winners are the two fantastic charities and that’s what the day is all about.”
It is hoped to make the match an annual fixture.
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/swftvssands to donate.
Search Sands United FC Warwickshire on Facebook for more details.