My name is Ryan Gowans Aka 'Gowans', I am extremely proud to have been asked to manage the side this season on our move to the Leighton and Luton League.
My reasoning for playing and now managing this club is raising money for outstanding charities and raising the awareness of the battle of Ollie Sweeney.
I met Ollies mum and dad, Lucy and Gary twenty years ago long before Ollie was born. Managing this club in Ollies name is not purely football, it’s personal.
Having amassed nearly 700 appearances in different levels of football locally it is now time to give back and hopefully lead Ollie Utd to a successful season.
Previously having managed Luton Borough in my early 20's this will be my second crack at management.
Early is on time, on time is late and late is unacceptable.
Ollie was a happy and cheeky chilled-out boy. He was the biggest fan of PJ Mask, Paw Patrol and especially Super Mario. He was known for giving out high fives and loved playing hide & seek and catch!
Just before his second birthday little Ollie was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma. In late November 2018, Ollie’s parents had started to notice a change in him.
“He became a very sad child. He was getting very clingy and unsociable – completely the opposite to how he usually was,” said Gary and Lucy. “He stopped enjoying the things he loved doing like going to nursery and swimming. He stopped eating and only wanted to sit watching TV.” They noticed his skin becoming translucent and his veins being very visible. “His stomach was also very swollen and his belly button bulged out. He was very irritable when it came to changing his nappy.”
They took Ollie to the doctors on many occasions with high temperatures and sometimes sickness. They thought it was just a viral infection and it would work itself out. But after several visits, Gary and Lucy insisted on seeing their local GP who immediately referred Ollie to the Paediatric ward at Luton and Dunstable hospital.
Blood tests were taken which found Ollie to be anaemic. But just before he was to be discharged, a doctor asked to feel Ollie’s stomach. An emergency ultrasound was called for and a tumour was found in his abdomen.
Ollie was immediately transferred to Addenbrooke’s hospital. After several days of testing and scans, it was finally confirmed on January 9th 2019 that Ollie had stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma.
“He had a tumour in his abdomen around one of his kidneys and another tumour growing behind his right eye, which was pushing on his eyeball The cancer had also spread to his bone marrow ”
TREATMENT
Ollie went on to have radiotherapy before starting several months of immunotherapy. Following radiotherapy, Ollie had clear scans in September 2019 and was doing really well. Immunotherapy started in November 2019 and Ollie remained clear of disease all the way through to the end of his treatment in April 2020.
In July 2020 Ollie became suddenly unwell and was admitted to Addenbrooke's. An MRI scan found a tumour sitting on his seventhand eighthcranial nerve near the brain stem which, following a biopsy, was confirmed to be relapsed neuroblastoma. 10-20% of the tumour was removed during surgery and with the intensive chemotherapy that followed, Ollie was back in remission. Ollie continued on to receive more chemotherapy, and cranial-spinal radiation.
Ollie’s parents and treating team decided the treatment pathway for Ollie would be to access a clinical trial that includes two cycles of 8H9 (radioimmunotherapy) treatment followed by hu3f8 antibody treatment in Barcelona. The family then hoped that Ollie would be eligible to receive the bivalent vaccine clinical trial in New York.
Ollie's family travelled to Barcelona to begin treatment but sadly Ollie relapsed. He received chemotherapy in Spain until he was stable enough to fly home. Back home scans showed further disease progression.
Ollie's family shared the devastating news that their beautiful boy passed away on Sunday 18th July 2021 surrounded by his family and all his favourite toys.
OLLIE SWEENEY FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
The Bedfordshire Football Association (FA) is the governing body for football in the county of Bedfordshire, England. It is responsible for organizing and overseeing all aspects of the sport, from grassroots level up to professional leagues. The Bedfordshire FA works to promote and develop football within the county, providing opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to participate in the beautiful game. Through various programs, initiatives, and competitions, the Bedfordshire FA aims to foster a love for football and support the growth of the sport within the local community.
They offer coaching courses, referee training, and development workshops to ensure that everyone involved in football has access to the best resources and education. The Bedfordshire FA also places a strong emphasis on inclusion and diversity, striving to make football accessible to all, regardless of background, gender, or ability.
We are currently seeking volunteers at our football club to help out on match days. Your enthusiasm and support are crucial in ensuring a great experience for everyone. If you are keen on being a part of the excitement during our matches, we encourage you to join our team of volunteers. Your assistance will truly have a positive impact!
VOLUNTEERSNEEDED!
Whether you're experienced or just looking to get involved for the first time, we have a variety of roles to suit your interests and skills! There is something for everyone. Volunteering with us is not only a fantastic way to meet new people and make friends, but it also offers the opportunity to give back to the community and support our beloved football club.
KIDSGETCANCERTOO
A MANIFESTO TO ACCELERATE CLINICAL RESEARCH INTO CHILDREN'S CANCERS
Cancers in children are distinctly different to those in adults. More than 4000 people younger than 25 years old are diagnosed annually in the UK. Whilst progress has been made in treating childhood cancers more effectively, still more than 80% of deaths from disease in those younger than 16 years old are caused by cancer. For those that do survive, the high toxicity of current therapies leaves them with life-altering side effects that continue into adulthood.
To improve this, newer, more effective treatments are needed that can only come from robust clinical research. Barriers and bottlenecks in the UK healthcare system are currently hindering progress, at the cost of children and their families.
We have identified four key priorities that have the potential to transform this landscape so that children and families affected by cancer are better served by the UK healthcare system. We are calling for a focused effort by the next Government on these priorities, in collaboration with stakeholders from across the sector, to bring the real and impactful change that is desperately needed.
In order to achieve these priorities, action is needed. That's why we're calling on the next Government to carry out the following activities to bring tangible change and impact:
Ollie United Football Club was formed in June 2019 to help then two year old, Ollie Sweeney in his fight against Stage Four Neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. Ollie was diagnosed just one month before his second birthday. On average, one hundred children in the UK are diagnosed with Neuroblastoma each year. Of the one hundred children, fifty are diagnosed with the high risk form of the disease. Even if children go into remission, there is still a high chance that they can relapse. If that happens, the chances of survival are sadly very low. Our club was set up to raise money for Ollie's treatment which is currently not available on the NHS.
Sadly in 2021, Ollie passed away. Our club keeps his memory alive, raising money for causes that helped him.
From Ollie's diagnosis, the aim of the club was simple. Play football with a smile on our faces against like minded football clubs in the hope of raising money for Ollie's treatment.
Since Ollie's passing, our goal is the same, but now we're raising money for children like Ollie who are currently fighting Neuroblastoma. In 2023 we joined Sunday League for the very first time, playing every Sunday morning in Luton. Win draw or lose, our main focus is keeping Ollie's memory alive through our beloved football club. Since 2019, we've had our charity side who play between the months of April and August.
LATEST RESULTS
OLLIEUTD
OLLIEUTD
OLLIEUTD 1-2 3-1 1-0
HATTERSUTD
CATSBROOKEWDRS
GREENMACHINE
OBCITY 3-3
DUNSTABLETOWNYOUTH
OLLIEUTD
OLLIEUTD 0-4
OBCITY 2-4
OLLIEUTD
GRAHAM
HOWITSTARTED…
I first became aware of a remarkable young girl named Jess in early 2018. Her family and close friends raised so much awareness for neuroblastoma with the #RoarForJess Twitter campaign, which saw Katy Perry and subsequently some of the biggest stars on the planet Roar For Jess, sending her beautiful heartwarming messages of love and support.
All the while, Jess who had been bravely fighting cancer for 7 years was receiving palliative end of life care. She must have been so frightened (bless her heart), yet despite everything that neuroblastoma threw at her she continued to be such a caring soul, always thinking of others, and always with a smile on her face. There were so many examples shared by her family of a kind and caring girl, wise beyond her years. Inspirational quotes (Don’t be sad it’s a waste of a day). Looking after the other children on the cancer wards at GOSH. Always thinking of others. Beautiful traits, but in the context of a young girl battling neuroblastoma, it was extraordinary. This is why so many of us thought she was deserving of a Pride of Britain award.
She touched the lives and the hearts of so many of us.
Jess passed away on 7th September 2018 aged 10.
I thought it then as I think it now, how utterly amazing and special a human being she was. If only the world could be more like Jess.
Now I always try to surround myself with good, kind hearted and inspirational people. No one has inspired me more than Jess.
I was already taking on running and cycling fundraising challenges for Solving Kids’ Cancer and previously other childhood cancer charities, but Jess’s story moved me so deeply. I wanted to do more.
Quite simply, without Jess I wouldn’t be volunteering at Great Ormond Street Hospital. The best thing I have ever done and the greatest privilege of my life.
Inspiration can come in many forms. Although if I’m being honest I don’t suppose I ever envisaged one of my greatest inspirations in life being a 10 year old girl. However remarkable. Although, if the past 5 years at GOSH have taught me anything, it is how brave, resilient, inspiring and generally amazing sick children can be.
My 2024 London Marathon on behalf of Solving Kids’ Cancer was dedicated to Jess and all the other children who have passed away from neuroblastoma, those who continue with their gruelling treatment and those in remission.
I always have self doubt and I always experience a degree of maranoia (paranoia for marathon runners), but leading up to London Marathon day 2024 the self doubt and maranoia was off the scale!
Hardly any training. A longest run of 6.41 miles on the 3rd March. Just one 4 mile jog/walk along Brighton seafront in the last 7 weeks leading up to the marathon. Being troubled by my hip. I was a bit of a physical wreck. No wonder some of those closest to me asked me if I was doing the right thing?
But I couldn’t let Solving Kids’ Cancer down. I just couldn’t.
So I decided to give it a go and if it took me all day, then so be it!
The butterfly is the logo of Solving Kids’ Cancer. The butterfly is a symbol of HOPE. I decided to wear a pair of butterfly wings at the London Marathon. Together with name badges.
There were Rainbow name badges for the children who have passed away from neuroblastoma.
There were Butterfly name badges for the children either still bravely battling neuroblastoma or for those in remission.
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I have added 4 more name badges including another 3 rainbow badges in the short time since the marathon, and I will continue to wear the butterfly wings at future events.
There are few things more rewarding in my life than finishing the London Marathon on behalf of Solving Kids’ Cancer.
It may have been my slowest marathon by far, but it is the one I will undoubtedly cherish the most. It was an absolute privilege and without doubt one of the most special and emotional days of my life!
I’ve said it before and I will say it again. London on marathon day brings out the best in humanity. It’s a pretty horrible world at the moment, but when you see thousands of people running for a whole host of wonderful charities and in memory of loved ones. Being cheered on by hundreds of thousands of loved ones and strangers alike. It is beautiful.
Humanity at its best!
If I could, I would take part in the London Marathon every year.
Unfortunately, the future is a little uncertain at the moment, as the hip which so nearly prevented me from taking part in the marathon probably needs replacing at some stage, possibly before I can embark on anything else too challenging, which is so frustrating as I have major plans for a joint fundraising challenge on behalf of Solving Kids’ Cancer and Great Ormond Street Hospital. Two charities that have become very close to my heart.
But in whatever form it takes, I will keep supporting and banging the drum for Solving Kids’ Cancer and childhood cancer.
Children and Cancer, two words that should never go together!
#RoarForJess
DUNSTABLE GLIDER
CLUBMANOFTHE SEASON
2023/24 SEASON
Clubman of the Season for the 2023/24 season is Paul Edwards. Paul has autism and his unwavering support for the boys in purple. From day one, Paul has given his all for Ollie United and you can see how proud he is to be part of the club. Paul, thank you for your dedication and passion. Your enthusiasm is infectious, and it has undoubtedly inspired both the players and fellow supporters.
Whether rain or shine, your presence in the stands, cheering with all your might, has made a significant difference. Your commitment extends beyond match days; you've been involved in community events, fundraisers, and always lend a helping hand where needed.
To honor your contributions, the club has decided to name a special award after you – the Paul Edwards Spirit Award – to be given annually to the supporter who embodies the same fervor and loyalty you have shown. We are immensely grateful for everything you do, Paul. Here’s to many more seasons together, cheering on Ollie United!
FOLLOWUSON SOCIALS
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