In the latest edition of our #WearASmile campaign, Black & White supporter Carl Lee was surprised with a special visit from members of the first-team squad earlier this month thanks to his work with Sands United!
The club launched their #WearASmile campaign back in November in association with Atropa Pharmacy, to put a smile on the face of some of those supporters most deserving and most in need of a special treat from the club throughout the season
The campaign sees supporters able to nominate family members and friends throughout the year who deserve to Wear A Smile, and receive a special visit from members of the first-team squad and a signed 2022 jersey courtesy of Atropa Pharmacy!
Carl was nominated by wife Jodie thanks to his incredible work and support for local football team Sands United – a team created for men who have been affected by baby loss, allowing them to come together through a shared love of sport and find a support network where they can feel at ease talking about their grief when they’re ready.
The teams also commemorate their babies’ all too brief lives by proudly displaying their names on the kit worn for every match.
And each team member helps make a difference by raising vital funds to help Sands achieve its vision of a world where fewer babies die, and when a baby does die, anyone affected receives the best possible care and support for as long as it’s needed.
Sands United teams can be found right across the country, including here in Hull, with Carl playing a key role in the running of the team.
Tragically, Carl and his wife Jodie lost three babies in the space of two years, but joined Sands as a way of supporting the charity that helped his family through their dark times.
Carl and the Hull team were surprised with a special visit from first-team stars Joe Cator and Jamie Shaul at one of their training sessions, who despite being a football team, put them through their paces with some drills to see how they fared with some Rugby League skills!
The players surprised Carl with a signed jersey, as well as jerseys to display in their clubhouse, and one to auction.
In addition, thanks to the generosity of main club partners Atropa Pharmacy, the team were invited to enjoy our home clash against Salford Red Devils last month from their very own box at the MKM Stadium, and take in the match day experience in VIP style!
Watch the full video below:
Speaking to hullfc.com, Carl said: “I found Sands United through Facebook and they helped turn my life around – they boys here mean everything to me.
“It’s helped me turn a corner, through their support and the sessions we have on a weekend.
“It’s not every day you get players turning up to your session – I’m a big Hull FC fan anyway so to have them come and spend a couple of hours with us was a special experience!
“It is a tough topic to talk about but it’s now something I speak about openly, and that’s thanks to these lads here and the sessions we have.”
Sadly, the death of a baby is not a rare event and every 90 minutes in the UK – the length of a football match – a baby dies shortly before, during or soon after birth.
When a baby dies the feelings of loneliness and isolation can be overwhelming and having other bereaved parents to talk to is vital, but dads can sometimes be overlooked or struggle to find ways of getting support that suits them.
Sands is available for anyone affected by the death of a baby, through our free Helpline, online community, and network of local support groups and Sands United FC is a vital part of our bereavement support services.
Sands supports anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth. To find out more about the support Sands offer – click here
For more information on Hull’s Sands United team – click here
To nominate someone for our Wear A Smile campaign, email smile@hullfc.com with the name and details of why your are nominating them.
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