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Wigan Warriors have kicked off 2026 with an unusual challenge to supporters: buy the club’s new charity kit without seeing it.

In a bold move that is deeply symbolic, the Warriors have partnered with Derian House Children’s Hospice and asked fans to show their solidarity by purchasing the limited-edition kit sight unseen, as a show of commitment to supporting children with life-limiting conditions in their community.

The kit, designed in Derian House’s signature green, was revealed only to players, sponsors and guests at the club’s pre-season dinner on Friday (30 January). Rather than unveiling it publicly, the club is asking supporters to buy in on trust – backing the cause, not the design.

With limited availability, supporters are being urged to act quickly, with the kit available in-store at Robin Park Arena and online via the Wigan Warriors shop.

The year-long partnership will see Wigan Warriors and Derian House working together to raise awareness and funds through match day bucket collections, player and staff involvement in hospice events, and a dedicated fixture on 19 April 2026, when the Warriors will finally wear the Derian House kit in public.

Fundraising was kick started at the pre-season dinner on Friday night, with a rugby ball signed by the Wigan Warriors squad auctioned off for £3,279.00.

Derian House currently supports 58 children and families from the Wigan area, and more than 400 families across the North West, providing specialist care, respite and emotional support at no cost to families.

At the heart of the partnership is a Wigan family who continue to be supported by the hospice.

Holly Prince, from Hindley, died aged five in April 2022 after being diagnosed with Bloom syndrome – a rare and incurable genetic condition affecting around 300 people worldwide. Derian House supported Holly and her family in the final weeks of her life.

Holly’s dad, Mark Prince, a lifelong Wigan Warriors supporter, said the club’s approach made the partnership even more meaningful.

“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.

“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.

“Derian means the world to us. It’s an extraordinary place with incredible staff, and it’s about so much more than end-of-life care – it’s about being there for families when they need it most.”

Derian House Chief Executive Karen Edwards OBE said the decision to keep the kit under wraps sent a powerful message.

“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.

“This partnership is a shared commitment – to raising awareness for families who are often unseen, to supporting children who deserve the very best care, and to making sure no family feels alone at the hardest moments of their lives.”

Wigan Warriors winger Liam Marshall, whose pre-season friendly yesterday (Sunday 1 February) saw the Warriors defeat Hull RUFC, also spoke at the club’s event on Friday.

He said: “I was lucky enough to visit Derian House before Christmas with some of the lads to deliver presents to the children. It really opened my eyes – it’s not what people expect when they hear the word ‘hospice’.

“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, with groups continuing to support families even after they’ve lost a loved one. They’ve made what could be such a sad place into a wonderfully magical one, where families can make special memories.

“For us to be able to support Derian House this year is fantastic, and we hope everyone gets behind the cause and grabs a kit while they can.”

Kris Radlinski, Chief Executive at Wigan Warriors, added:

“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.”