Football Personality Ian Holloway entertains the crowds in support of Combat Stress
On Wednesday 15 February 2023, the Kings Theatre, at Kings of Wessex Academy in Cheddar, saw a max capacity audience of over 200 people welcome ex-football manager, turned pundit and author, Ian Holloway for an evening of entertainment in support of Combat Stress. A night which has now raised £3,000!
Local singer Zena warmed up the crowd, Darren, our regional fundraiser, gave a presentation about Combat Stress and Wade Merritt, another local singer/songwriter took to the stage before the main event.
Ian Holloway delighted the packed audience with his engaging wit and stories of his life at the top level of sport. He recalled, when told by a football scout that he was too small to make it in the professional game, how he tried to stretch himself by hanging off the banister at the top of the stairs, before gravity led to him landing in a crumpled heap at the bottom. Much to his parents’ despair!
About the night, Ian said: “It was great to convene at the Kings Theatre, in Cheddar especially in support of Combat Stress. It's so so important that our veterans are looked after given their heroic efforts, with mental health a topic that's rightly, and slowly getting the conversation and attention it so desperately needs.”
“Given how issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression can affect veterans, it's crucial that Combat Stress can continue to give them the help they deserve.”
Having seen a Combat Stress presentation that resonated deeply with him, retired Regimental Sgt-Major Alan Cooper, who has known Ian (or ‘Ollie’ as he is affectionately known) for a number of years, decided he wanted to raise funds on our behalf. And so, the concept of an evening with Ian Holloway was born.
Darren Jackson said: “The evening was a fantastic success in every way, and I was delighted that for the first time ever the Kings Theatre completely sold out. Ollie was very generous with his time with the local people and genuinely interested in Combat Stress and thanked the serving military and veterans for keeping everyone safe. A very uplifting, fun event which was brilliantly supported by the local people, community fundraising at its finest!”
Pictured: Ian Holloway (right) with Regional Fundrasier Darren