Mel and Alex Gray, parents of baby Gracie, who passed away at just three months old, have organized a charity football match in Kent to honor her memory.
Gracie was born 10 weeks early, weighing only 3lb 5oz, and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after suffering brain seizures.
Despite seven weeks of care in neonatal intensive care, she tragically passed away six weeks after her parents brought her home.
According to the BBC, the funds raised from the match will go to East Kent Hospitals Charity, as a way for the Grays to thank the staff at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford for their care.
Ms. Gray, who now has two more children since Gracie’s death in 2019, shared that during Gracie’s short life, she was able to watch her older brother Louie play football.
The family chose to organize this annual football match near Gracie’s birthday because they believe birthdays should be celebrated, including Gracie’s.
As Ms. Gray told the BBC, football is special to their family, and raising money in Gracie’s name allows them to show their gratitude.
The teams playing in the match on 24 August at Wittersham Sports Field in Tenterden will wear baby blue and baby pink kits to symbolize Gracie’s memory.
Even though Gracie is no longer with them, Ms. Gray emphasized to the BBC that she remains a special part of their family.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy707xe4m7o