Teammates raise money for Sands United FC – helping those who’ve suffered the loss of a baby
Two footballing teammates will be taking part in AJ Bell’s 2023 Great South Run to raise awareness and funds for their club, Sands United FC Solent.
The club is about more than just football however. It is a unique refuge for dads and other bereaved family members, who have suffered the loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death.
42-year-old Nick Lang, from Waterlooville, founded Sands United FC Solent in 2019 – three years after his own daughter, Evalyn, was stillborn. He will be running alongside teammate Joe Maharg (32), who joined the club in 2020, after the loss of his son, Solomon.
The club aims to create a safe space where its players can come together through football and enter a community of mutual support and understanding. Nick explains why this is so important:
“This for too long has been a very taboo subject in society and for dads and male family members, a subject that they have often found too hard to discuss with peers. In many cases, this leads to mental health issues, relationship breakdowns and forms of social anxieties.”
Nick and Joe will be running with empty prams to further raise awareness regarding baby loss.
“Ultimately we are doing this to try and help families know that they do not need to suffer the loss of a baby alone and that there is a huge support network here waiting to help if we can.”
Whilst Nick describes himself as “not a natural runner”, he has been training regularly and can now comfortably run 5/6 miles. He has already taken part twice before and went to spectate last year.
“Having attended last year as a spectator, I really loved the atmosphere and last year’s runners really inspired me to do it again, so I signed up as soon as I got home that evening”
The AJ Bell Great South Run is probably the world’s favourite 10-miler, with inspiring history, salty air and glorious sea views guaranteed. Portsmouth’s supporters will keep your spirits and motivation up the whole way round, with blaring music, cheers, high fives, fist bumps all part of the incredible AJ Bell Great South Run experience. Learn more and sign up here.
Related Articles
1/11
What to Expect at this year’s AJ Bell Great South Run
The AJ Bell Great South Run weekend is back for another spectacular celebration of running.
Top British Athletes to Battle it Out at the AJ Bell Great South Run
The stage is set for another thrilling race at the AJ Bell Great South Run with a high calibre British field assembled once again for the iconic 10-mile event.
Power of Running: Phil Pollard
At 82 years and six months, Phil Pollard, from Alverstoke, Hampshire, is still passionate about running.
Power of Running: Stephen Hore
Stephen Hore, 41, from Southbourne/Emsworth, is gearing up to run the Great South Run for the first time this year,
Power of Running: Michelle Stone
Michelle Stone, soon to be 47, will be celebrating her birthday in a special way this year – by taking part in the Great South Run.
Power of Running: Gerard Beauvoisin
At 64 years old, Gerard Beauvoisin, from North End, Portsmouth, has been running for nearly four decades.
Team Kerr Takes on AJ Bell Great South Run
Team Kerr, from County Down, Northern Ireland, is taking on the AJ Bell Great South Run on Sunday 20 October.
Hoyle Family Takes on Junior & Mini Challenge
The Hoyle family is excited to participate in this year’s AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great South Run.
Runners, Ready? Gladiators to Host Junior & Mini Great Scottish Run
Runners, ready? It’s official, stars of the BBC’s Gladiators, Sabre & Apollo, will be joining the fun this Saturday 5 October.
Official Starters Confirmed for AJ Bell Great Scottish Run
Scotland Internationalists and Glasgow Warriors teammates Duncan Weir & Kyle Steyn will ring the official start bell at the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run.
NF1 Super Warriors Conall and Kayden’s Race to Race Awareness
It’s a full weekend of running at this year’s AJ Bell Great Scottish Run for Mum Kirsty and sons Conall 8 and Kayden 4.
