AN ALVECHURCH dad who helps families cope with the loss of a newborn baby is getting set to kick off his latest fund-raising endeavour.
Richard Atkinson, who lost his baby daughter Ava just hours after she was born in May 2014, has organised a day of football and family fun next month in memory of his daughter.
From 10am on May 21 at The Valley Stadium there will be two star-studded matches plus a bouncy castle, tombola and silent auction, all in aid of the Baby Ava Support Foundation, set up by Richard in 2015 to create memory boxes for parents who have suffered the loss of a baby.
“As a family we have taken much comfort from a memory box we were given at the hospital,” said Richard.
“Unfortunately the charity that supplied our memory box no longer makes them, so I took it upon myself to start making my own memory boxes so that parents received them to help ease the pain and give some comfort.
“For a parent that has suffered the loss of a baby, these boxes mean so much.”
As well as a raffle, stalls, hot food and refreshments throughout the day, at 11am, the Ava’s Angels team will first play the Birmingham Allstars – a team of ex-professional footballers – before going up against the celebrity team of soap stars and musicians, the Once Upon A Smile Team.
Tickets cost £10 for adults, £5 for children, and under fours go free. Family tickets for £25 are also available and money from ticket sales will be split equally between the Baby Ava Support Foundation, and Once Upon A Smile, which provides emotional, practical and financial support to bereaved families.
Richard added: “I would be happy if we raised even just enough for one memory box – they are something that hold a lifetime of memories for families.
“But if we can raise £5,000 for Baby Ava’s Support Foundation, it would be phenomenal.”
Call Richard on 07703 826931 or email [email protected] for more information and visit http://bit.ly/2bITD0X to find out more.
