A special edition of Taskmaster has raised more than £280,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity).
The Taskmaster Live Stream: GOSH Charity Edition featured 10 YouTubers and content creators competing in a series of unusual challenges, raising funds for a new Children’s Cancer Centre at the London hospital.
Hosted by Taskmaster creator Chesham resident Alex Horne and comedian Jake Bhardwaj, the event took place on Saturday, September 5, and was streamed live on YouTube and Twitch.
The competitors included TommyInnit, MatPat, Ayamé, and Hayley Morris, who teamed up in pairs to complete 10 rounds of tasks, from making a sandwich without using hands to creating the most dramatic freeze frame.
The competition was full of surprises, including the Taskmaster himself, Greg Davies, joining the livestream midway through the first task.
After a tightly contested night, Rob Colfer and Hayley Morris were crowned champions, with highlights including what Greg called ‘an impressive piece of physical theatre and political satire’ to advertise a brick.
MatPat and Ayamé were also crowned the ‘People’s Champions’, with viewers enjoying their partnership despite them having met for the first time earlier that day.
Former GOSH patient, Alyssa, 17, also joined the live-stream, speaking to viewers about her own cancer experience.
Read more:
Bluebird Care sponsors Mabel to support South Buckinghamshire RDA riders
Wycombe Wanderers and Reading FC to join SCAS charity for 24-hour CPR challenge
Over 100 people take part in photoshoot for charity calendar
Following the livestream, Mr Horne said: "Were there too many people taking part in my normally rigid format?
"Was it too chaotic and was I constantly stressed?
"These are questions I would be trying to answer if I wasn't still so struck by Imogen's core strength, Rob and Hayley's acting and, yes, Greg's height.
"Also, it seems that Jake is now his natural successor, not me, and I'm definitely fine with that.
"Most importantly, having visited GOSH and met some of the children and families being treated there, I couldn't be more pleased that we could bring all these talented people together to support GOSH Charity.
"The money raised will go a long way in helping children going through cancer, and I'm honoured to have been able to support in this way."
Sponsors included Paysafe, Airalo, and Nando’s, while celebrities like Gordon Ramsay, Jason Isaacs, Deborah Meaden, and Jack Black sent in video messages containing advice for the contestants.
So far, the livestream has raised over £281,000, with over 1,500 donations being made on the night.
Views currently stand at 800,000, with people tuning in from multiple platforms, including Taskmaster’s YouTube, TommyInnit’s Twitch and GOSH Charity’s Twitch account.
Funds raised will go towards building a new centre that combines specialist care, cutting-edge facilities, and pioneering research under one roof.
Sarah Bissell, GOSH Charity’s Deputy Director of Relationship Fundraising, said: “We’re hugely grateful to everyone involved in the livestream, from Alex and the Taskmaster team, to the creators who took on the challenges and the viewers who supported them.
"It was amazing to watch the energy, humour and friendly competition unfold throughout the event.
“The funds raised will play a vital role in helping to build the new Children’s Cancer Centre at GOSH and we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved.”
To watch highlights from the livestream and donate to GOSH Charity, visit goshtaskmaster.com.
Share