News

The Brick Community Stadium became a sea of green yesterday, as Wigan Warriors fans answered the call to support Derian House during a special takeover game

As part of their 2026 charity partnership, the Derian House dedicated fixture raised a phenomenal £6,719.29 for the hospice that currently supports 58 children and families from the Wigan area and more than 400 across the North West

The Warriors ran out to a roaring atmosphere in the specially designed Holly’s Kit – inspired by Wigan five-year-old Holly Prince, whose family were supported by us in the final weeks of her life

Derian House families, volunteers, staff and Wigan supporters filled the stands in green – with many also donning Holly’s Kit – to back the hospice

Benidorm’s Steve Pemberton, who is an ambassador for Derian House, made a special appearance to meet with families and fans before kick-off – and delivered a heart-warming half-time speech, calling the hospice “a local charity for local people”

18-year-old Derian youngster, Evan, followed the players onto the pitch to deliver the match ball as the crowds cheered, and was thrilled to see the players run out to warm up in jerseys designed by him and his hospice friends

Children and young people formed a guard of honour to welcome players onto the pitch, while siblings waved the Warriors’ gigantic flag as part of the pre-match build-up

Mascots Danni and Mighty Max went head-to-head in a race alongside Derian siblings Annabel and Charlie that had fans on the edge of their seats

Off the field, players including Jake Wardle and Oliver Wilson joined the Derian House Fan Village takeover – helping out on the fundraising stalls

Activities included spin-the-wheel games, a chocolate tombola and flag decorating, while Wigan super fans Ada, Cora and Grace raised £740 at their stall selling handmade friendship bracelets in aid of the hospice

Shirts worn and signed by Bevan French, Patrick Mago, and Liam Marshall were auctioned off, raising £2,100 for the hospice – with Liam’s raising £1,000 alone. And Adam Keighran donated his shirt to Derian House for the charity to raffle off

Ice creams were provided by Raheim of NorthWest Whippy, who made Derian House branded waffles especially for the occasion – who also donated £537 of his profit from the day

The Derian Dads Bereavement Group rallied support across the stadium with bucket collections, raising £1,359.92

While the result went against the Warriors, ending on 14-24 to Castleford Tigers, the Derian House takeover proved to be a powerful showcase of community support – with Holly’s legacy, Derian House families and the wider Wigan community at its heart

Thank you so much to everyone who was part of it… it’s a day that will go down in Derian House history