Steve Pemberton gives Weakest Link prize to hospice

The League of Gentlemen creator Steve Pemberton has said he is "so proud" to be able to donate his prize money from The Weakest Link television quiz show to a children's hospice "close to his heart".

The BAFTA-winning actor became the strongest link on the BBC programme on Saturday, winning £12,800.

He said he was giving the money to Derian House Children's Hospice based in Chorley, Lancashire, close to where he grew up.

"It's an incredible cause and I'm delighted to give them that money," said Pemberton, who is a long-time supporter and ambassador for the charity.

Pemberton, who is co-creator of comedy-horror show Inside No.9, joined fellow celebrities Cherry Healey, Sian Welby, Jason Mohammad, Ashley Storrie, Dean McCullough, Sanjeev Kohli and Charley Marlowe on Saturday night's show.

He made it to the final round on the show, which is hosted by comedian Romesh Ranganathan, alongside Still Game star Kohli.

"That last round was like all the other rounds combined, Pemberton said.

"It was really tense, but I'm really pleased - and really pleased for the charity. They support children with life-limiting illnesses and their families."

He added: "I grew up very close to the site where Derian House now stands. In fact, I used to play football on the field beside where the hospice is now."

Pemberton, who also starred in ITV's Benidorm sitcom was also an executive producer of Derian House documentary The Little Things, made by a father whose son, Kalel, received care there for seven years until his death in 2019 at the age of 11.

"Derian House is well known in the area and nationally for providing the very best care for children and their families – and I am very proud to support everything they do," Pemberton said.

Caroline Taylor from Derian House said Pemberton was "a fantastic ambassador" for the charity.

"The money raised will make a real difference to the children and families who rely on our care, and we are so thankful that he has chosen once again to shine a light on the work we do."

Derian House Children's Hospice cares for more than 400 families a year and costs £6m annually to run.

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