The BRICK Community Stadium transformed into a sea of green as Wigan Warriors supporters rallied for Derian House Children's Hospice during a special takeover game. As part of the 2026 charity partnership, the Derian House dedicated fixture raised £6,719.29 for the hospice, which currently supports 58 children and families from the Wigan area and over 400 across the North West.
Holly's Kit and Special Appearances
The Warriors took to the field in specially designed “Holly’s Kit,” inspired by five-year-old Wigan native Holly Prince, whose family received support from Derian House in her final weeks. Derian House families, volunteers, staff, and Wigan supporters filled the stands in green, many wearing Holly’s Kit to show their support.
Benidorm star Steve Pemberton, an ambassador for Derian House, made a special appearance to meet families and fans before kick-off. He delivered a heartwarming half-time speech, calling the hospice “a local charity for local people.”
Match Day Highlights
Evan, 18, from Wigan, who is supported by Derian House, followed the players onto the pitch to deliver the match ball amid cheers. “It was really cool and I’m glad I got to do that,” said Evan, who also saw players warm up in jerseys designed by him and other young people at the hospice. Children and young people supported by Derian House formed a guard of honour, while siblings waved the Warriors’ flag during pre-match build-up.
Mascots Danni and Mighty Max competed in a race alongside Derian siblings Annabel and Charlie, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Off the field, players Jake Wardle and Oliver Wilson joined the Derian House Fan Village takeover, helping at fundraising stalls.
Fundraising Activities
Activities included spin-the-wheel games, a chocolate tombola, and flag decorating. Wigan super fans Ada, Cora, and Grace raised £740 by selling handmade friendship bracelets. Shirts worn and signed by Bevan French, Patrick Mago, and Liam Marshall were auctioned, raising £2,100—Liam’s shirt alone fetched £1,000. Adam Keighran donated his shirt to Derian House for a raffle.
Raheim of North West Whippy provided ice-creams and made special Derian House branded waffles, donating £537 of his profits. The Derian Dads Bereavement Group conducted bucket collections, raising £1,359.92.
Community Spirit
Although the Warriors lost 14-24 to Castleford Tigers, the Derian House takeover showcased powerful community support, with Holly’s legacy, Derian House families, and the wider Wigan community at its heart.
Karen Edwards OBE, chief executive at Derian House Children’s Hospice, said: “The Derian House takeover game showed the true power of our partnership with Wigan Warriors. To see the stadium turned green, with families, supporters and the club all coming together, was incredibly moving. Every pound raised and every conversation started helps us continue caring for children and families who need us most.”
Derian House provides specialist respite, palliative, and end-of-life care, as well as emotional and practical support for families, entirely free of charge.
Kris Radlinski, chief executive at Wigan Warriors, added: “This club has always been about more than rugby. It’s about community, trust, and giving back. It’s about fans standing with families, and backing a charity that does extraordinary work for children and young people across our town and region.”
