Worcester man sets up football group for men affected by baby loss
Sands United FC Worcester was founded by Ross Joyner after he lost his child
Last updated 27th Nov 2023
A football group in Worcester has been set up to help support men who have been affected by baby loss.
Ross Joyner created Sands United FC Worcester after he lost his baby daughter in June 2023.
He wanted to create a safe space for men to share their stories and connect with people who have faced similar challenges.
Ross said: "The reason I decided to set this group up was because I experienced this baby loss on 7th June 2023.
"Mentally I thought I was doing brilliant but my partner said otherwise and that's when I decided to get in touch with SANDS the charity to set up a group in our area.
"Although there are many support groups online there are no face-to-face support male-based groups in Worcestershire, with our closest being Dudley.
"We've had to pay the highest price to be part of the team, and that was to lose a child.
"We're all in the same boat, and you're always learning something new.
"Sometimes we won't even mention what we've all been through.
"It's just the fact that we're getting together, having a laugh and it's just that one bit of enjoyment for the week."
There are over 30 Sands Unites groups around the country which have been created with Sands the charity.