Wolves star is just wild about Harry and Co (From Warrington Guardian)

Wolves star is just wild about Harry and Co

7:10am Monday 8th October 2012 in News

WARRINGTON Wolves fans’ favourite Ben Westwood said it was an easy decision picking charity Harry and Co to benefit from his testimonial celebrations this year.

The dad-of-two to Tyler, aged 12 and Gracie, aged two, knows all too well how important the maternity bereavement suite will be to families after he and partner Debbie lost their baby girl Olivia when she was 23 weeks’ pregnant.

The heartbreaking blow came just weeks before the Challenge Cup Final in 2009 and the second row forward said there was not much support available for the couple back then.

The England international said: “Debbie had to give birth to her and she was fully formed with fingers and toes and a face.

“It was tough going into the final after that but as a professional sportsman you have to put it to the back of your mind for a couple of days or so and get on with the job.

“It was hard for us both but my missus took it harder and we didn’t realise how many times things like this (mums losing their baby during pregnancy) can happen.”

The couple held a funeral with family members and picked a spot for Olivia in the Appleton baby garden with a ‘great view’.

A year later the pair discovered a sponsored walk organised by Harry and Co and decided they wanted to help after second child Gracie was born.

The Man of Steel finalist said: “It was quite scary when Debbie was pregnant with Gracie and we were terrified it would happen again but thankfully we have a healthy little two-year-old.

“As soon as we found out about the testimonial we knew who we wanted to help and hopefully we can raise a lot for them.

“It’s great what they have done already but we want to put the word out and raise more awareness.”