Being a dad for the first time is an exciting time for anyone. But when you’re told your baby has a rare condition (Edwards syndrome/T18) and may not be compatible with life your world sinks.

Feeling the kicking of your baby in your partner’s womb shows he was there.

However when it came to the birth Angelo made his presence felt.

He was alive but silent - all we wanted to hear was him cry, but to no avail, we had 2 hours with Angelo and that’s what we valued.

Then we were told he had passed away. That was when me and my wife just cried and cuddled him.

We were then introduced to Sands and from there we met such supporting people and other families who have been through the same.

Dads meetings helped, my wife had her group too. We always go to the Christmas service which is always lovely just to sit and remember.

Myself and my wife will always thank Sands for there support.

I may join Sands United just to play in memory of Angelo Jack Smith.