by A dad marked the end of his 23-year marriage by driving a “Just Divorced” car around his town. Angus Kennedy, 58, says his split from ex-wife Sophie Kennedy, 47, was ‘amicable’. But he decided he wanted to celebrate being single and raise awareness of the divorce process, so he gave his Subaru a unique makeover. The split was finalized in January and Angus, an author, drove his car in Dartford, Kent last week (5/4). He said, “Divorce doesn’t always have to be bad and negative — it can be a celebration of a new beginning.” Sophie and I are still friends — the relationship just broke off. But there’s no animosity there. “The final order went through in January, so I thought a remake of the car would be a fun way to celebrate.” The couple filed for divorce in July 2021 after mutually agreeing to separate. They share five children, ages 11 to 23, with whom they were planning to move to the jungles of Ecuador. Angus is also a leading chocolate expert, and in 2019, the family decided to swap their spacious home for a bamboo property set in 50 acres of South American jungle. There they planned to help run a cocoa farm after Angus was contacted by the Ecuadorian jungle. But, before finalizing any plans, he and Sophie decided to end their marriage. The divorce was finalized in January 2023 which was a relief for both parties. And, to celebrate, Angus drove around town and picked up his youngest son from boxing in his 2004 Subaru Outback. The dad of five decorated his car with special pens, writing words like “freedom” on the windows. He designed and ordered his own “Just Divorced” sticker for the trunk and glued fake roses and ribbons on the hood. Angus is also writing a new book called “Shaping Up For Love,” about finding a new partner after many years of relationship. He said, “The whole idea was to have some fun—it wasn’t a campaign against marriage.” It’s a big blow through divorce, and the celebration was a way to help me find myself. You have to love yourself before you expect anyone to love you. “I picked up my son from boxing and he was embarrassed, but it was all light-hearted fun.” Other drivers booed us all the way home, which made him laugh. “And Sophie finds the whole thing hilarious, we’re on great terms.” “I meet countless lonely people who feel like they can’t be in another relationship because they’re so broken, so I’ve made it my mission to help them.” And, after going through the divorce, Angus says he’s become frustrated with the long and archaic process. An believes that until couples end their marriage, they don’t realize the extent of the contractual agreement they enter into by saying “I do.” Angus said: ‘It’s a very painful process, it’s the most important contract of your life. Some people are very young when they go into it and it can be really daunting. ‘There is enormous pressure from both sides and you don’t realize when sign the document the extent of all this. “They are so excited about weddings and honeymoons, but I wish someone would take a moment and sit me down to go through it with me.” Most big commitments have a “cooling off period” where people can step back if it’s not what it seems. “I want to be clear, even though this wasn’t the case in my marriage, people have reached out to me sharing their messy experiences. It’s heartbreaking.” Sophie, a beautician, currently still lives in the same area as Angus and they share custody of the children. The former couple have maintained a good relationship since their split and she Sophie says she fully supports Angus’ divorce parade. Sophie said: ‘I wanted to have an amicable divorce to show our children that it was possible to remain friends. ‘It was very important to me to set a good example for them. “We spend Christmas and Easter together, as well as birthdays – and family dinners every once in a while to catch up are a must.” The car thing is fun and, to be honest, I wouldn’t expect anything less from he”.
