Hinckley AFC are holding a bucket collection raffle at Saturday’s game to support former AFC man Sam Belcher’s crowdfunding for a neonatal unit close to his heart.
The popular midfielder has played for both Hinckley United and AFC, and has invited the local football family to support his fundraising which has raised more than £2000 so far.
Sam’s twins, Hugo and Harper, were born 16 weeks prematurely last November, and tragically Harper passed away just days later.
Hugo remains in hospital having had emergency operations but Sam and his wife, Diane, are hopeful that he may be allowed to return home next month.
Sam and Diane now want to help other families in similar situations and have set up a crowdfunding page to raise money for the neonatal ward at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire.
He told the Coventry Telegraph: “Tragically this will happen to other people and you want to do all you can to make sure they are helped when it does. It has been something I cannot describe and it has been so, so tough for all of us.
“But we are determined to do all we can to help others who are in a similar situation and would love to see people give what they can.”
To support Sam, we’re holding a bucket collection raffle at our match against Nuneaton Griff this weekend – another of Sam’s former clubs – with all proceeds going towards the fund.
Supporters can donate as much as they wish into the bucket for which they’ll receive a raffle ticket in return.
Manager Courtney Belford urged everyone at the game to donate: “I’ve known Sam for a long time and what happened was tragic. It puts football to the very back of your mind.
“Sam’s been a good servant to Hinckley football over the years, from the United days to last season with AFC
“If we can help him just a little bit, it would be a great gesture – and it goes without saying that we wish him and his family the very best.”
If you can’t make the game on Saturday but would like to support Sam’s cause, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mdjs-uhcw-neonatalunit.
Everyone at the club wishes Sam, Diane, Hugo and the family the very best.
