Elizabeth Baines reporting from Heckmondwike shared the story of Alex Walmsley and his partner, who were eagerly awaiting the results of a 12-week scan to start their family when they received the devastating news that their baby would not survive the pregnancy. This marked the beginning of a heart-wrenching journey for the couple from Heckmondwike, who endured two more miscarriages in their quest to have children.
Following the first miscarriage in 2017, Mr. Walmsley expressed his shock, recounting how they had expected to leave with a picture but instead left empty-handed. The couple experienced the loss of a child twice more before finally welcoming their son. The repeated experiences of loss left Mr. Walmsley feeling helpless and out of control, with a sense of having nothing to offer his partner in support.
To cope with their grief and help others in similar situations, Mr. Walmsley founded SANDS United West Yorkshire, a football team for men who have suffered the loss of children. The team, now comprising over 40 members, provides a space for men to grieve together through sports, surrounded by those who understand their pain and experiences.
In a positive turn of events, Alex and his partner, like thousands of parents in England, now have their experiences formally recognized with a baby loss certificate. Previously, their miscarriages before 24 weeks were not officially recognized, leading Mr. Walmsley to downplay his grief. The extension of the certificate scheme in October 2024 allowed all parents, regardless of when they lost their baby, to apply for this acknowledgment of their loss. Through this process, Mr. Walmsley found healing and closure, feeling that the certificates honored the lives that existed and made him realize their importance
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