A FOOTBALLER whose baby was tragically stillborn has praised midwives at Royal Bolton Hospital for their ‘amazing’ care of his fiancee and himself.

Joe Riley and Kayleigh Anderson’s son, Leo Joseph, was delivered at the hospital last week, after the couple were told medics were unable to find his heartbeat.

Afterwards the couple were able to spend time with their baby at the hospital. Leo was given a cot and prints were made of his hands and feet, while photographs were also taken for a ‘memory box’ the pair took away with them.

And the former Wanderers player says that, while nothing can take away the pain of losing a baby, it was eased by the kindness of the midwifery team.

He said: “They were unbelievable for us, they went above and beyond to help, we’re so grateful for what they did.We were allowed to stay in Kayleigh’s room. It’s a massive help for anyone who wants to spend a little time with a stillborn baby. Everything they did was so kind and really helped us through it.”

Joe adds that while he and Kayleigh were ‘distraught’ to have lost their baby, their experience would have been even more difficult without the caring of the midwives.

He said: “It definitely would have been harder, we’ve come away knowing we have spent that time with him. We’ve been able to talk to him and say how much we love him.”

Royal Bolton Hospital is also organising a funeral for Leo. Joe added: “They have taken the stress away, which is brilliant,” Joe, who now plays for Shrewsbury Town, also thanked everyone for their support.

He said: “It doesn’t take the pain away but it’s nice to know there are so many thoughtful people out there.”