Family celebrate Gracie’s birthday with a fundraising football match in her memory
A family are holding a fundraising football match in memory of their only daughter, who died at just three months old.
Mel and Alex Gray from Tenterden are raising money for East Kent Hospitals Charity as a thank you for the care staff at the William Harvey Hospital gave baby Gracie, who was born 10 weeks early weighing just 3lb 5oz. The tot was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after suffering brain seizures and died in her parents’ arms.
A fun day last year raised more than £7,000, and they are hoping to add another £1,000 to that total this year.
Gracie was able to watch older brother Louie playing football during her short life, and beautician Mel and tree surgeon Alex have become parents to Henry and Cooper since Gracie died in 2019, who are also football fans.
Mel, 32, said: “Gracie is our only daughter and she’s still a very special part of our family.
“We were so grateful for the care we received from the neonatal intensive care unit team at the William Harvey Hospital, both while she was with them and afterwards when we were able to take her home.
“Raising money in her memory is one way for us to say thank you. As the boys and Alex are all mad about football we decided we would have a football match on or close to her birthday each year, because we believe birthdays need celebrating, including Gracie’s.”
Teams will play in baby blue and baby pink kits, and there will also be a raffle, tombola, barbecue and some games for children.
The fun starts at 1pm on Saturday, August 24, at Wittersham Sports Field, TN30 7PD, with kick off at 2pm. It is sponsored by A Gray Landscaping and Tree Surgery, DSW Water, Wards estate agents, The Right Way To Do It and Imperial Marble and Granite Ltd.
Proceeds will go to East Kent Hospitals Charity’s Tiny Toes campaign, to help fund equipment for the NICU to benefit babies, parents, visitors and staff.
You can also donate online at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Gracie-Gray-Football-Day