Definitely Not Therapy
You don't need to be a CEO or a celebrity to have an interesting story, or to have struggled to get to where you are. Definitely Not Therapy is hosted by Legendary Social Media Sensation (his own words) Dan Lawrence who is known for his pranks, inappropriate chat up lines and life hacks on social media. Dan wears his heart on his sleeve and is passionate about spreading awareness for Men's Mental Health. Each week, Dan will be speaking to someone new. Real People with Real Stories.
Definitely Not Therapy
🎧 Episode 8: From Child Loss to Legacy – Olly’s Story with Angels United FC
Episode Snapshot
This episode hits deep. I sat down with Olly from Angels United FC, a football-based support group formed by dads who found traditional therapy didn’t cut it. They used the pitch - not the couch - to process grief after losing a child during pregnancy. Olly bravely shares his heartbreak: losing twins Dottie and Poppy. But through the darkness, a rainbow baby arrived. His story? A reminder you’re never truly alone. Instead of sitting and mourning, Olly went to watch his beloved Gillingham FC play football, and a simple tweet changed his life! With an outpouring of love from supporters, players and even the manager! Football really is a language everyone can speak, and it spoke to Olly that day and showed him how powerful it can be.
About Angels United FC
- What they are: A peer-to-peer bereavement support group and football team formed in Manchester in 2020 by 13 fathers who all suffered the loss of a baby or child during pregnancy or at any age or stage. Football became their lifeline.
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Angels United Fc+8 - How it helps: They use football to #BreakTheSilence on baby & child loss, bringing together men from all backgrounds in a safe, no-judgment zone.
Angels United Fc+2 - The pitch ritual: Players wear pink-and-blue kits - colours symbolizing infant loss - with their angels’ names on the back. They show up for each other, simply kick about, connect, and eventually talk.
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Instagram+4 - Why it matters: Olly says football “saved me.” After his daughters’ funeral, attending a match - and seeing how strangers reached out - showed him that connection doesn’t need words to heal.
Mancunian Matters+1 - Recognition: In 2023, they won Manchester Community Sports Project of the Year, proving their impact reaches far beyond the pitch.
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Angels United Fc+5 - More than a team: Beyond football, they offer peer support over coffee, walks, and open chats. Everyone is welcome - no fitness requirement, no pressure.
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** Learn more or reach out here: [Angels United FC website]**
Angels United Fc
Episode Highlights
- Olly’s snapshot: “We tried counselling, group sessions, coffee mornings - but it just wasn’t right for me. Football saved me.”
ITVX - Raw truth: The club doesn’t interrogate your grief - with a ball at your feet and guys who’ve been there, conversation comes when you're ready.
Instagram - Why sport heals: On grief’
