Swindon is set to host a powerful blend of football and community spirit next month, as Men and Their Emotions (M.A.T.E) brings a celebrity charity match to the County Ground on Sunday, 3 May 2026.
The event will see a mix of well-known personalities and former professional footballers step onto the pitch, all backing a cause that continues to affect countless lives. Among those expected to feature are Matt Lapinskas, Joe Cordina, Cole Anderson, Mashtag Brady, Tom Zanetti, Gaz Beadle, MC Harvey, Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock, Jamie O’Hara, Dean Windass and Leon Britton, with further names set to be confirmed.
The idea for the match came from local organiser Gary Read, following the tragic loss of Swindon resident Steve Bailey. It is a deeply personal motivation that sits at the heart of the event, which aims to encourage more open conversations around men’s mental health while raising funds to support those in need.
Ahead of the big day, M.A.T.E founder Daniel O’Reilly—known to many as Dapper Laughs—spoke candidly about the journey that led him to launch the charity. Now three years sober, his focus has shifted towards helping others facing similar battles.
He reflected on a time when mental health struggles and addiction had become part of everyday life without fully recognising the impact. It was only after reaching a breaking point that the reality set in, followed by a period marked by isolation and uncertainty. That experience, he explained, revealed just how difficult it can be to find the right support.
Using his social media reach, Daniel created a men-only Facebook group designed as a safe space for open and, if needed, anonymous conversations. That community has since grown to more than 65,000 members, supported by moderators and professionals, with fundraising efforts helping provide access to counselling for those unable to afford it.
Humour, he believes, plays an important role in helping people begin those conversations. For many men, a joke can often be the first sign that something is not quite right. By leaning into that, he has found a way to make difficult topics feel more approachable, offering a starting point rather than a barrier.
For those in Swindon unfamiliar with M.A.T.E, the charity’s work stretches beyond online support. It offers funded counselling and works alongside Adapt to provide accommodation for men going through particularly challenging periods in their lives, helping them take steps towards stability and recovery.
Events like this upcoming match are about more than what happens on the pitch. Daniel hopes that seeing familiar faces speak openly about mental health will encourage others to do the same. Sometimes, it only takes a single moment—whether at the match or afterwards—to prompt someone to reach out.
Among the many stories shared within the M.A.T.E community, he says both the difficult and the hopeful leave a lasting mark. Accounts of loss sit alongside stories of recovery, with individuals rebuilding their lives after reaching their lowest points. Those moments, he admits, are a constant reminder of why the work matters.
There is also a lighter side to the occasion. Preparations for the match have not been without their challenges, with Daniel joking that a recent training session with Swindon Town Women’s side proved tougher than expected. As for the result, he is backing an entertaining contest, predicting a 6–5 win for the M.A.T.E team.
At its core, the message remains simple. Speaking up—whether to a friend, a professional or a support group—can be the first step towards change. Daniel credits that step with saving his own life and encourages others not to face things alone.
Tickets for the match are available via Skiddle, while those unable to attend can still support the charity through donations and fundraising efforts via the M.A.T.E website.
