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The Functioning Griefster
The Functioning Griefster is a podcast about, love, loss and still showing up anyway, with your survival kit on, whilst we bear the unbearable.
Recorded in the back of my son’s van, Dec, who died aged 24 in August 2023, I speak to fellow Griefster, who are, still grieving, still loving and still carrying their loved ones legacy forward.
These stories are real and raw,, no script, just courage, connection and unexpected moment of laughter and light.
Each episode includes a grounding tool to help anyone who is grieving or supporting someone who is.
The Functioning Griefster
Episode 5 - 12 years old, one viral challenge, 21 court cases, no second chances.
He was only twelve, full of energy, laughter and evening plans with his mum.
In April 2022, Archie Battersby, was found by his mum, Hollie Dance, unconscious at home after a fun afternoon together with evening plans to go to the cinema. There was no warning, just a four minute 23 seconds phone call and a dressing gown cord that changed their life forever.
Hollie, believes he was taking part in a viral TikTok challenge, that encourages viewers to hold their breath until they lose consciousness, what happened next was something no parent should ever have to face.
The following four months were filled with, court cases, ventilators, media speculation, medical jargon and the public scrutiny of a mothers every move, all whilst trying to hold onto hope and be her son’s voice.
In this episode, Hollie speaks with raw honesty about those four traumatic months, the red flags that she now recognises, and the final decision that even wanting to say goodbye to Archie in a hospice, was refused.
Hollies battle did not end after there, she even had to grieve under the microscope of trolls.
Now, she is turning her pain into purpose, working with other parents who have lost their children due to these dangerous social media challenges.
This is not a headline
This is her voice
This is Archie’s story
📺This episode can be watched the YouTube Channel Dec’s Rolling Bucket List-Learning to smile again, which includes never before seen footage
Your can support Hollie and educate yourself about the dangers of social media via the links below.
Let’s help spread the awareness and protect our children
https://youtu.be/kSmyNHKMYB4?si=pwg9VqbZoF-SLh2g
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/705644
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bechallengeaware-?utm_medium=CR&utm_source=FB
⚠️ Content Warning:
This episode contains detailed discussions of a fatal social media challenge, brain injury, hospital trauma, and emotionally distressing content that may be triggering to some listeners — especially parents.
🛑 Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this episode are those of the guest, Hollie Dance, and reflect her personal experience following the death of her son, Archie Battersby.
The Functioning Griefster podcast does not endorse or claim factual accuracy on any medical, legal, or political statements made.
This platform exists to hold space for grieving families to share their truth.
