Wigan Warriors Launch Unique Charity Partnership with Derian House Children's Hospice
Wigan Warriors have begun 2026 with an innovative and deeply symbolic fundraising initiative, partnering with Derian House Children's Hospice in a campaign that challenges supporters to demonstrate their commitment in an unprecedented way.
A Bold Move Based on Trust and Solidarity
In a remarkable departure from traditional sports merchandise launches, the Warriors are asking fans to purchase their new limited-edition charity kit without seeing the design first. The club has deliberately kept the kit under wraps, revealing it only to players, sponsors, and special guests at their recent pre-season dinner. This approach transforms the act of buying a kit from a simple transaction into a powerful statement of trust and community support.
The initiative represents a year-long partnership between the rugby league club and the children's hospice, with the Warriors committing to raise awareness and funds through multiple channels. These will include match day bucket collections, player and staff involvement in hospice events, and a dedicated fixture scheduled for April 19, 2026, when the team will finally wear the Derian House kit publicly for the first time.
Fundraising Efforts Already Underway
The partnership's fundraising campaign received a significant boost at the pre-season dinner, where a rugby ball signed by the entire Wigan Warriors squad was auctioned for an impressive £3,279. The kit itself, designed in Derian House's signature green colour, is now available for purchase both in-store at Robin Park Arena and online through the official Wigan Warriors shop.
With limited availability, supporters are being encouraged to act quickly to secure their kit, embracing the club's invitation to back the cause rather than the design. This approach emphasises the partnership's core values of compassion and community solidarity over commercial considerations.
The Heart of the Partnership: A Wigan Family's Story
At the centre of this collaboration is the story of Holly Prince from Hindley, who passed away aged five in April 2022 after being diagnosed with Bloom syndrome, an exceptionally rare genetic condition affecting approximately 300 people worldwide. Derian House supported Holly and her family during the final weeks of her life, providing specialist care, respite, and emotional support at no cost to the family.
Holly's father, Mark Prince, a lifelong Wigan Warriors supporter, expressed how meaningful the club's approach has been for his family. "What Derian did for us in the final weeks of Holly's life, and what they continue to do for our family, means more than I can put into words," he said. "To see Wigan Warriors not just backing the hospice, but asking fans to support Derian without even seeing the kit, says everything about what this partnership stands for. It's about compassion, not colours."
Community Strength and Shared Commitment
Derian House currently supports 58 children and families from the Wigan area, alongside more than 400 families across the wider North West region. Chief Executive Karen Edwards OBE explained the significance of keeping the kit design confidential, stating that it sends a powerful message about community solidarity.
"Every family we support has their own story, but what they all share is courage - courage from children, parents and siblings facing situations no one ever expects," she said. "While Derian House delivers the care, it's the strength of the community that makes that care possible. By asking fans to buy this kit unseen, Wigan Warriors are inviting people to stand with our families, not because of how something looks, but because of what it represents."
Player Perspectives and Club Values
Wigan Warriors winger Liam Marshall, who recently visited Derian House with teammates to deliver Christmas presents, shared his personal reflections on the hospice's work. "It really opened my eyes - it's not what people expect when they hear the word 'hospice'," he revealed. "Yes, there are sad times, but there's also so much joy and incredible support. They're there not just for the children, but for parents, siblings and grandparents too."
Chief Executive Kris Radlinski emphasised how the initiative reflects the club's broader values, stating: "This club has always been about more than rugby. Asking our supporters to buy the kit without seeing it is about trust, values and community - and backing a charity that does extraordinary work for families across our town and region."
The partnership represents a significant commitment to supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families, transforming what could be traditional sports merchandise into a powerful symbol of community compassion and solidarity.
