Adders player swaps football boots for walking boots to support cause close to his heart

Adders midfielder Sam Compton-Belcher turned super-sub to take part in a mountainous challenge for a charity close to his heart.

Sam swapped his footie boots for walking boots after being invited to join nine other dads who had experienced baby loss to tackle the National Three Peaks Challenge - scaling Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours - for The Lily Mae Foundation.

Last November Sam and his wife Diane, who already had a young son Henry, tragically lost their daughter Harper just four days after being born 16 weeks early.

Harper's twin Hugo survived, although the tiny tot had to undergo two life-saving operations.

Sam told Atherstone Nub News: "The team is taking part in 10 events this year to highlight that the loss of a baby is just as devastating to dads as it is to mums and we must be open with our emotions, rather than bottling them up, and seek help if we need it.

"One of the dads couldn't take part in the Three Peaks Challenge so I was asked to step in at short notice.

"I've never done anything like that before and, after this experience, I won't be again.

"It was physically tough, but mentally worse and not in the least bit enjoyable at the time.

"The weather was horrendous - with very strong winds and lashing down with rain - making it treacherous underfoot.

"But, thanks to the tremendous camaraderie and support from the other dads and organisers I managed to complete the challenge.

"The Lily Mae Foundation has helped us with counselling since Harper passed away so I am pleased to have been able to help the charity."

In the end, Sam was one of seven dads who managed to complete the 23-mile walk.

Sam donated a portion of the proceeds from the Harper Seren Golf Day he organised in memory of his daughter to the 10Ten10 fundraising appeal.

This year's golf event raised almost £5,900 for the charity, which was match-funded by Sam's employer DPD's community fund.

Tomorrow (Fri) is the start of Baby Loss Awareness Week which sees bereaved parents, their families and friends, unite with others across the globe to commemorate the lives of babies who died during pregnancy at, or soon after, birth and in infancy.