AFL star Tom McDonald and wife Ruby have shared their heartbreak after their daughter Goldie was stillborn at 20 weeks.
The couple shared the news in an Instagram post on Wednesday, alongside a black and white photo of the pair embracing the tiny tot in hospital.
“We are truly heartbroken to have lost our baby girl at 20 weeks, but know that she will be forever and always with us all,” they wrote in the post.
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“At 11:55pm on Sunday night, 21st of January our gorgeous Goldie Joan McDonald was born sleeping and became our angel above. Watching over us and her siblings until we meet again in wonderland.”
They thanked fans and friends for the support and added: “Thank you to everyone who has and continues to support our family, we will never be able to thank you enough for your kindness, love and care. Please be patient with us as we navigate life without our Goldie girl in our arms 💛.”
“I’m sorry, thinking of you,” Britt Selwood commented underneath.
Footballer Nathan Jones shared his condolences and wrote: “Thinking of you guys and sending you all the love and strength.”
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Fellow Melbourne Demons star Steven May commented love heart emojis underneath the post.
According to the Stillbirth Foundation Australia, ”six babies are born stillborn each day” across the country.
The couple share daughter Bella, four, and son Leo, two.
“Nothing beats being your mum. Beyond lucky,” Ruby previously wrote in a post dedicated to daughter Bella.
The couple tied the knot in January 2021 in a romantic ceremony in Melbourne.
“The McDonalds <3,” Ruby wrote on Instagram after tying the knot.
Tom, 31, made his official debut playing for the Demons back in 2011.
He’s reportedly played a total of 210 matches.
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He helped the team win the premiership in 2021.
Last year, the forward, who recently gained a commerce degree, was sidelined for weeks due to an ankle injury and had to have surgery.
“He’s responded well to that, he’s in a recovery phase at the moment and then he’ll integrate into our reconditioning protocols,” Melbourne manager Selwyn Griffith said at the time.
Tom hails from Edenhope, Victoria, and previously played for North Ballarat.
If you or someone you know has suffered a pregnancy loss or stillbirth please contact:
Red Nose Australia rednose.org.au or call 24/7 Support Line on 1300 308 307Bears of Hope bearsofhope.org.auStillbirth Foundation stillbirthfoundation.org.au
If you need immediate help please call Lifeline on 131 114.