Rugby hero Phil raises almost £3,000 for Ulster Hospital’s bereavement group
More familiar with tackling on the rugby pitch, Phil Whyte laced up to ‘tackle’ one of his toughest challenges to date after he completed the notoriously challenging Tollymore Trail Marathon in Newcastle to raise funds for the Ulster Hospital’s Forget Me Not group.
The group, established in Maternity Services in the South Eastern Trust, brings together parents who have experienced the loss of a baby or child, providing compassionate support throughout their grief journey.
A former rugby player, Phil completed the race and raised over £2,800 to remember his baby daughter Sophie, who was born sleeping on November 8, 2019.
Phil explained how the Marathon took place on Sophie’s anniversary and how he and his family wanted to give back to the Unit as their way of saying thanks for the support they received when Sophie was born.
“The staff really looked after us when we lost Sophie at 37 weeks,” he said. “We want to thank everyone who donated.
"I wish I could do more and we hope that the funds raised will help both the Maternity Unit and Forget Me Not Group.”
South Eastern Trust, Interim Lead Midwife, Sarah McKevitt added: “We are very grateful for the donation and it will go a long way to supporting our families and the staff to care for our parents.
"It is lovely that Phil and Carley have come up to see us and give the Unit this very kind donation. We are very grateful.”
The forget me not group recently held a memorial tree planting at Billy Neill Country Park.