A fundraising football team set up for bereaved dads and families played the Essex Masons in a charity match at Heybridge Swifts last Sunday (October 15). 

FC Vilomah took on a team of Freemasons formed especially for the match. The Masons came out on top, beating 'The Violets' 2-1. 

The Essex-based team held a host of events during Baby Loss Awareness Week. Those included a charity launch night, a football match, an auction and a raffle, all of which raised just under £4,000.

Miles Girdlestone, who organised the match, told Nub News: "It was great to see faces from Vilomah and supporting families, and some of the Masons as well. 

"It's fantastic and we're really grateful." 

All funds raised by FC Vilomah go to the Vilomah Baby Loss Charity, to help bereaved families. 

Last October, the Essex Masons began raising funds for the Blossom Suite at Broomfield Hospital. So far, they have raised more than £25,000. It is hoped the funds can go towards purchasing a specialised scanner for Broomfield's maternity ward and bereavement suite. 

Further donations from family, friends and employers have totalled over £2,000. Those funds have been split between FC Vilomah and the Blossom Suite. 

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