Harry Arter launches charity auction in memory of daughter Renée

The daughter of AFC Bournemouth player Harry Arter, and his fiancée Rachel, was stillborn in December.

It is an experience that will haunt the young couple forever.

The pain was etched on Harry’s face when, just two days after Renée died, he put in a man-of-the-match performance against Manchester United.

It was a show of bravery in the face of tragedy which moved everybody who witnessed it, and prompted an outpouring of support from well-wishers the country over.

Harry Arter being comforted by boss Eddie Howe in December

And now the Republic of Ireland international feels the time has come to give something back.

With help from his club and some Premier League colleagues, he is launching an eBay auction of unique memorabilia to honour Renée’s memory, and to raise money for family-run bereavement charity 4Louis.

“They offer couples memory boxes for when their baby dies, they put in a candle and other little bits, which is nice and creates memories for you – which you haven’t actually had with your child,” said Harry.

“They also donate cots to hospitals for people to spend the night with their baby, if their baby has passed away. Not everyone chooses to do that, but it’s nice that they consider everything.”

Harry admitted that he and Rachel look at the memory box created for Renée almost every day, and that it has taken time to think about anything other than what happened.

But now he wants to help 4Louis raise as much money as possible and support others who have endured the same tragedy.

“It’s a shame this charity even exists - that’s what the guy said when I got in contact with him – ‘I’m so sorry that you even have to get in contact’ – but it does.

“And unfortunately for the people who go through it, as much as this doesn’t take away the pain, it does ease it a little bit, and it creates memories that thankfully last forever.”

Picture by Amy Maidment

Among the auction items is a signed Fulham shirt worn by the 26-year-old’s brother-in-law and former England star, Scott Parker.

“I’m so close to him and it didn’t take long for him to realise what I was doing and to offer something,” said Harry.

The kindness of players he knows less well has also left him touched. He described how Watford captain Troy Deeney, who he had never spoken to before, offered him support after their teams played in February. Troy followed through with his offer, providing a signed shirt for the auction.

It also includes match shirts worn by the whole Cherries squad from their fixture against Spurs, a training top signed by manager Eddie Howe and his assistant Jason Tindall, 20 signed pairs of boots worn by the squad and two VIP experiences for AFC Bournemouth’s home games against Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion.

Picture by Amy Maidment

Bob McGurrell, 4Louis trustee, said: “We are so grateful for this support “These kind donations will help our small, family-run charity continue to support bereaved parents at a very difficult time in their lives.

“We would like to thank Harry and AFC Bournemouth from the bottom of our hearts for embracing the charity in this way.”

The auction will be held on 4Louis’ official eBay page and will launch at 5pm today before closing at 5pm on Monday, April 18.