A bereavement support group at the Ulster Hospital has received over £3,600 from a donor who received its help after a personal loss.

Phil Whyte, a former Bangor Rugby Club player from Donaghadee, secured £3,634 from his then-employer, the US-based engineering firm E&C Crane Engineering Experts, through its corporate philanthropy programme.

The funds will go to the hospital's Forget Me Not Focus Group, which supports parents who have experienced the death of a baby or child.

Mr Whyte and his wife Carley were supported by the group following the stillbirth of their daughter Sophie on 8 November 2019.

Mr Whyte said he applied for funding earlier this year and explained how the group assists bereaved parents during difficult times. He said he was pleased the company agreed, and described the donation as a way to thank the group and maternity staff.

Sarah McKevitt, Interim Lead Midwife at the South Eastern Trust, welcomed the donation, saying it would help the group care for families and support staff.