Football fundraiser after death of baby

The parents of a baby that died at three months old have organised a charity football match in Kent in her memory.

Gracie, who was born 10 weeks early, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after suffering brain seizures.

After seven weeks in neonatal intensive care, her parents Mel and Alex Gray returned to their Tenterden home before Gracie died six weeks later.

The couple said funds raised at the match will be donated to the East Kent Hospitals Charity as a thank you for the care staff at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford provided to their daughter.

Ms Gray, who has had two further children since Gracie's death in 2019, said the baby was able to watch her older brother Louie playing football during her short life.

“We were so grateful for the care we received,” she said.

“Raising money in her memory is one way for us to say thank you.

“As the boys and Alex are all mad about football, we decided we would have a football match on or close to her birthday each year, because we believe birthdays need celebrating, including Gracie’s.”

She added: “Gracie is our only daughter and she’s still a very special part of our family.”

Teams will play in baby blue and baby pink kits at the match at Wittersham Sports Field, Tenterden, on 24 August.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.