An Oldham father has bravely shared his experience of baby loss on national television, aiming to break the silence around men's mental health and support other dads facing similar heartbreak.

Ben Devall, 30, from Oldham, appeared on BBC Morning Live this week alongside his wife Poppy and their two-year-old daughter Etta. The feature, part of Comic Relief fundraising efforts, saw Ben interviewed by EastEnders star James Bye, who has also spoken openly about his family's experience of miscarriage.

The conversation centred on the emotional impact of baby loss on fathers and the importance of creating spaces where men feel able to open up. Ben received support from Home-Start HOST, a Greater Manchester charity that helps families through difficulties including isolation, mental health struggles, and loss.

The programme included a walk-and-talk session in Heaton Park, where Ben joined James Bye and Mike Gibbon, another dad who has received support. They were accompanied by Wesley Claridge, family support coordinator for Home-Start HOST's Dad Matters programme. Dad Matters, founded in Greater Manchester by Home-Start HOST CEO Sarah Cook, is dedicated to supporting fathers' mental health and encouraging strong bonds with their children from the earliest stages.

Earlier this week, Ben also joined BBC Radio 1's Greg James during his Comic Relief challenge, cycling 1,000km across the UK on a tandem bike. This helped raise awareness of the realities many families face, including infant loss.

Now working as a teacher, Ben volunteers locally to support other fathers in Oldham who may be navigating similar experiences. His story highlights the crucial role of peer support and the need for accessible mental health resources for dads.

James Bye said: "My wife and I are proud parents to four beautiful boys, but our baby journey hasn't always been straightforward. As a family we have experienced miscarriage, and that sense of loss at times can feel overwhelming. It's vital that dads know they're not alone."

Home-Start HOST is calling on more people in Oldham to get involved, whether through volunteering or fundraising, to help ensure local families can access support when they need it most. The charity relies on a dedicated network of volunteers, who complete a comprehensive 12-week training programme recognised by the Investing in Volunteers award.

Sarah Cook, CEO of Home-Start HOST, said: "Parenting can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming, particularly when families are facing loss, isolation or other pressures. For 20 years I've seen first-hand the difference that compassionate support can make to families. Our volunteers provide practical and emotional help when it's needed most."

She added: "Every volunteer and every supporter makes a real difference. Whether someone can give a few hours of their time, fundraise, or simply help us spread the word, it helps ensure that families don't have to face difficult times alone."

To find out more about volunteering with Home-Start HOST, fundraising, or signing up for the Great Manchester 10K as part of 'Team Home Start', visit their website at www.home-starthost.org.uk.