Taskmaster has teamed up with Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) for a fundraising livestream to help raise money for a new children’s cancer centre.
The livestream is set to take place on September 5 at 5pm, streaming across multiple platforms including Taskmaster’s YouTube channel and Twitch.
Speaking to the Press Association, creator of Taskmaster and chairman of Chesham United Alex Horne said: "We’ve always been told that Taskmaster is a bit of a safe haven for people and during lockdown families saw it as a bit of a beacon of silliness in a time of difficulty.
"Firstly, that’s not the plan. That’s not why we’re doing it.
"Second, we’re not saying we’re in any way… you know, we’re not the doctors.
"But I do like that we’ve been a slight symbol of safety and togetherness for families."
Horne became involved with the project after visiting GOSH, where he met patients and staff and witnessed "impressive" work firsthand.
During his visit, he met 13-year-old Alannah Griffin, who is being treated for a very rare type of cancer after first visiting GOSH in January 2024.
Alannah’s father, Kieron Griffin, said his daughter was as strong as “10 of him” and the care she had received had been “amazing”.
Her first years of treatment coincided with her move to secondary school, he said.
"Sadly, it was the first time she had lost her hair,” Mr Griffin said.
“She just picked herself up and went to a new school which was really quite something.
“Obviously, from the word go, as scary as it was, thinking ‘how are we in Great Ormond Street? How did this happen?’
“You quickly realise how blessed you are to be there with the most amazing team."
Read more:
'Wish I'd stayed true to Wycombe' - Actor James Corden on his love for Wanderers
Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge to open NEW bar in September
80s singing legend opens £1.9 million MRI scanner at a Bucks hospital
Asked how he thought the new cancer centre will benefit families like his, he said: “It’s just going to take the care and everything onto another level.
“We can’t imagine it because we’ve been so lucky.
“Everything looks so good, but you can just imagine it’ll be just on another level and truly world-leading.”
The fundraiser, hosted by Horne and comedian Jake Bhardwaj, will feature influencers such as TommyInnit, MatPat, Ayame, and Hayley Morris competing in two teams for a chance at Taskmaster glory.
Mr Horne said: "It’s going to be a properly authentic, genuine thing.
"Some of the tasks will probably fail, which is always fun."
He encouraged viewers to support the cause: "Please do donate throughout.
"We will be pestering you to donate, but we don’t want to.
"We want people to watch and donate, but please do, and also I don’t know if I’m meant to do this but we’ve got nice companies who are sponsoring various bits of the tasks and we’re really grateful to them and if anyone else wants to come in and chuck more money around, it all goes to the Great Ormond Street Hospital.
"No one is being paid from our side, so please do be as generous as you can."
The new GOSH cancer centre will include state-of-the-art wards, a critical care unit, and a hospital school, all designed to create a "home from home" environment for young patients.
Share