Fans set up charity fund in support of boss Holloway
GRIMSBY Town fans have set up a charity fundraiser as a show of support for Ian Holloway follow the loss of his close friend. Following Tuesday night’s defeat to Harrogate, the Mariners boss revealed in an emotional post-match interview he had earlier learnt that one of his best friends had committed suicide.
Holloway described it as “one of the worst days of my life” and said hearing news had been “absolutely soul destroying”.
The Town boss received a number messages of support on social media, and members of online fans forum The Fishy have now set up a fundraiser in order to show their support.
The fans’ efforts have so far raised over £2,000, which will be donated to a charity of Holloway’s choice.
A message on the fundraiser said: “During the interview we could see how upset he was talking about his mate. He was a broken man. We could all see that.
“Nobody would have said anything if Ollie wasn’t in the dugout for the match, nobody would have said anything if he hadn’t wanted to do the after-match interview, but he did, and he showed the passion that he has for his friend first and foremost, and for his team. “It’s at times like this when he needs our support too. We can only imagine what he is going through at the moment. Having empathy and compassion for others who are going through rough times can be healing and just having the ability to share can help. “Let’s raise some money for Ollie for him to give to a charity of his choosing, be it suicide prevention, or mental health, or anything else he feels passionate about, which will hopefully show him how much support he has from his fans far and wide.” Speaking about the support shown to him by supporters, Holloway told Grimsby Live: “It’s incredible, people are wonderful.
“It’s something that you’ll never get over. The question you’ll ask is why, but it’s a very, very difficult time for his family, and all it does is make you realise how important the people around you who you love and care about are.”