Couple to honour stillborn son on what would have been his second birthday

A couple will honour their baby who was stillborn on what would have been his second birthday. Will and Kayley Bower, from Angmering, will hold a charity football match in Lancing on April 20 to remember their son Billy, who was delivered in April 2023 at only 38 weeks. The game will see Mr Bower play alongside a team of friends and family.

Billy's Allstars will take on Sands United, a team made up of bereaved dads who are supported by child loss charity, Sands. Sands works with men to help them connect through sport and open-up about their grief. The charity also raises awareness of baby loss, working with the government and key figures both locally and nationally.



Will in the 'Billy's Allstars' kit (Image: Will Bower) Mr and Mrs Bower, both 31, have received support from the charity. “People think they understand it, but they don’t, the only people who really know are those who’ve been through a similar situation,” said Mr Bower. “Men are typically not very good talkers, so my wife she goes to the support group while us men we play football.

It’s just nice to be with a brotherhood.” Mr Bower looks to honour Billy’s birthday each year. His dad shaved his head last year.

“Football is a vehicle of being with other people and it’s not always directly talking about what we’ve been through,” said Mr Bower. “We have a WhatsApp group and on everyone’s angel-versary we light candles for one another’s losses. It’s been a god send, I’m really grateful.

” Billy Bower (Image: Will Bower) The couple set up a fundraiser for Sands which has already received over £1,600 of donations . Mr Bower said the money was only a bonus as he hopes the event will get people talking about Billy and his legacy. He said: “We just want to shout Billy’s name from the roof tops.

We are one of the most recent losses in the group. I just want to say his name and get people to talk about him. “It will be great to just bring everyone together and we hope the stands will be full.

” Will playing for Sands United (Image: Will Bower) The team’s kit has been sponsored by restaurant chain Wagamama, after Mr Bower contacted the company with their story. “When my wife was pregnant and had Billy in her belly, she has cravings for Wagamama,” he said. “We reached out and asked if they wanted to be a sponsor, and they said yes.

” Mr Bower shared his feelings ahead of the match. He said: “My coping mechanism is doing stuff, so I’m looking forward to it. The kits have arrived and look great.

It’ll be a nicer occasion, because his birthday is the sadder one. It’s just important to remember him.” The match is taking place at Lancing Football Club at 10.

30am on Sunday, April 20 and donations can be made via the GoFundMe site or Sands website..