Tim Threadgate is determined to spread the word about the support available for other men who have suffered pregnancy or infant loss.
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Tim has been joined by his rugby union teammates, including Stuart Paynter in growing beards to help raise funds for Beards of Hope, an offshoot of Bears of Hope who provide assistance for families who have been through loss.
It’s been two and half years since Tim and his wife Emma lost their son and Tim wants to support others the way they were supported. The couple received a care package from the Bears of Hope while still in the hospital.
"They were a great support to us and offered a range of support packages,” he said.
Tim said there is a lot of support, understandably, available for woman but typically men suffer in silence.
When he found out about the Beards for Hope, a group offering to spread awareness of support for men who have gone through loss, he decided he wanted to give back.
“It’s helping me move forward from my own experience by letting other men know there is support out there.”
Beards of Hope was started by Nor-West Jets AFC in western Sydney after determining that growing beards helped them play better. After having a good season the team elected to put their new-found force to greater good by teaming up with local charity Bears of Hope Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Inc.
So far the Gloucester Rugby Union Club has raised around $1000. They will continue to grow their beards until the end of August.
