Alan Carr has deeply touched a Lincolnshire family by donating his Celebrity Traitors’ winnings to Neuroblastoma UK. This charity was established by Neville and Janet Oldridge, residents near Gainsborough. The Oldridges founded the charity following the heartbreaking loss of their son Matthew to neuroblastoma, and Carr’s substantial contribution of £87,500 left them astounded.
Victoria Oldridge, a trustee of the charity, reported her mother’s emotional reaction to the news. She also expressed gratitude for Carr’s continuous support and his nine-year commitment as a patron, which began after he initially got involved at a charity auction.
Focussed on raising awareness and funding research for neuroblastoma, a cancer that affects roughly 100 UK children each year, the charity relies greatly on volunteers. Carr’s donation, which he describes as a ‘privilege’, is anticipated to majorly assist their mission to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and eventually discover a cure.
Recounting the emotional moment when Carr named the charity as his chosen beneficiary on the show, Victoria explained their surprise and excitement. She stated, ‘We weren’t privy to that information, so when he won and announced the charity… we were absolutely overjoyed.’
Carr’s association has not just facilitated financial aid but also raised the charity’s profile, triggering donations from viewers moved by his actions. Victoria conveyed, ‘As a small family unit based in Lincolnshire, we didn’t think someone like Alan would be able to give us this platform to increase the awareness.’
It is the hope of the Oldridge family that this newfound attention will result in the development of gentler treatments and, in due course, a cure for the devastating disease that tragically ended Matthew’s young life.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
