Comedian and actor Daniel O’Reilly, founder of mens mental health charity M.A.T.E (Men & Their Emotions) is bringing a celebrity football match to the County Ground in May with a mission to break the stigma around men opening up about their emotions.
The charity event, inspired by local organiser Gary Read, who approached Daniel and M.A.T.E following the tragic suicide of Swindon resident Steve Bailey. Steve was an ordinary working family man quietly battling mental health issues, and his loss left his family without a husband and father.
Daniel O’Reilly (aka Dapper Laughs), who founded the charity out of a personal journey of his own, overcoming severe drug addiction and suicidal thoughts spoke to Entertainment Swindon about how much the charities mission means to him. O’Reilly is now three years sober, and now on a mission to break down the stigma surrounding men opening up about their feelings and seeking help, and actively campaigning for cultural change around men’s mental health.
Daniel told Entertainment Swindon: “it all started as a Facebook group for men, which now has 65,000 members, a safe space for men to talk and feel safe which went on to become a charity that raises money for counselling for men, and Dry Houses through a company called Adapt for men to seek help with addiction who cant afford rehab”.
Talking to Daniel, it was very obvious that this really was something that using the word ‘passion’ to help men with mental health issues and particularly suicidal thoughts just doesn’t express how much setting up the charity and helping men means to him.
When we spoke about the mission of the charity and the excitement of bringing this celebrity football match to Swindon. O’Reilly said: “Its exciting that Swindon Town have given us the stadium to put on this event, great for the charity, great exposure for the charity.
But also we got a lot of lads that are on the edge that want to take their own lives that we are signposting to crisis management every day and I’ve got friends that have taken their own lives and everyone seems to know someone or be affected, it breaks my heart, suicide really affects me deeply and something I’ve experienced myself with suicidal thoughts when I was at one of my lower points. I’ve battled with addiction and mental health issues and whenever something like this comes up, if we can get involved and talk about it then I think its a great way to use my platform for the charity”.
On Sunday 3rd My 2026, Swindon Town will be paying host to the Men and Their Emotions celebrity charity football match with some very well-known names from the world of celebrity such as Danny Dyer and MC Harvey (So Solid Crew) as well as plenty of ex-professional football players, including Razor Ruddock to raise vital funds and awareness for mens mental health.
Those already confirmed taking part are of course Danny O’Reilly, Dany Dyer, Cole Anderson of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, Social Media Influencer Mashtag Brady, Tom Zanetti (chart topping musician), TV personality Gaz Beadle, MC Harvey and Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock to name a few in attendance. Olly Murs will also be in attendance, but due to a leg injury, unlikely to be playing, so likely to be showing his support from the sideline.
The event was inspired by local organiser Gary Read, who approached Daniel and M.A.T.E following the tragic suicide of Swindon resident Steve Bailey. Steve was an ordinary working family man quietly battling mental health issues, and his loss left his family without a husband and father.
The match will feature Team M.A.T.E vs Team Harvey supported by a lineup of celebrities and influencers dedicated to challenging the stigma around men’s emotions and mental health.
This charity match promises high-energy football, celebrity entertainment, and a powerful opportunity for fans to support a life-saving cause.
Funds raised from ticket sales, donations, and related activities will directly support the charity’s mission, including providing free counselling, dry housing, and essential support for men in need.
Daniel O’Reilly said: “This match is about more than football—it’s about showing men that it’s okay to talk, to feel, and to ask for help. We’re bringing big names and big energy to Swindon to save lives and smash the stigma.”
Event organiser Gary Read added: “After losing a close friend to suicide, I’ve seen first-hand how vital groups like M.A.T.E are. Teaming up with Swindon Town and these incredible celebrities will help us reach more men and make a real difference.”
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, 3 May 2026
Venue: The County Ground, Swindon Town FC
Kick-off: 13:00
Tickets – Available Now: Click HERE.
For more information, to donate, or to stay updated on team announcements and ticket releases, visit the official M.A.T.E website at www.menandtheiremotions.org.uk or follow @menandtheiremotionscharity on Instagram.
Entertainment Swindon 
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