Comedian Alan Carr has donated his entire £87,500 Celebrity Traitors prize fund to Neuroblastoma UK, a small volunteer-run charity founded by a Lincolnshire family in 1982.
The announcement aired during the BBC show’s finale, drawing reactions from 11.1 million viewers who watched Carr secure victory.
The Oldridge family, who created the charity after losing their son Matthew to the cancer, said they were “flabbergasted” by the gesture.
Victoria Oldridge, now a trustee, confirmed her mother broke down in tears upon learning of Carr’s donation.
The move is expected to provide a significant boost to research efforts, awareness campaigns, and future treatments for the rare childhood cancer.
What Happened and Why It Matters
Who: Alan Carr, comedian and long-time patron of Neuroblastoma UK.
What: Donated his full £87,500 Traitors prize to the charity.
When: Announced during the Celebrity Traitors finale aired on the BBC.
Where: Filmed in Scotland; charity based near Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.
Why: To support research and awareness efforts for neuroblastoma, a cancer that affects around 100 UK children annually, mostly under age five.
How: Carr named Neuroblastoma UK as his chosen charity during the final, surprising even the charity’s trustees.
Carr has supported the organization for about nine years, after meeting trustees during a charity auction where he purchased a sculpture of his own head. Since then, he has met parents, supported awareness events, and amplified the charity’s mission using his public platform.
Quotes & Reactions
Victoria Oldridge told BBC Radio Lincolnshire that the announcement caught the entire family off guard.
“We weren’t privy to that information… When he won and announced the charity, we were absolutely elated.”
“My mum burst into tears. Alan’s generosity means research, awareness, and hope.”
The charity praised Carr as a “tireless advocate,” noting how his involvement began after personally connecting with families who lost children to the disease.
Carr previously said:
“It’s a privilege to support such an amazing children’s cancer charity.”
Fans also joined in. Donations reportedly surged overnight, with messages like:
“Thank you Alan for reminding us what being human is all about.”
What This Means Going Forward
Alan Carr’s contribution represents a major funding boost for a small organization run mainly by volunteers.
The money will be used for improved diagnostic research, treatment development, and expanding awareness of neuroblastoma across the UK.
The gesture also increases national visibility for the charity, positioning it to receive new public and institutional support.
For families battling childhood cancer, Carr’s generosity brings renewed attention to the challenges of aggressive treatments, early detection, and the need for long-term research.
What’s Next
Neuroblastoma UK is expected to allocate Carr’s donation toward ongoing “kinder treatment” research initiatives.
Celebrity Traitors will return for a second series in 2026, and the increased audience interest may provide additional fundraising opportunities.
The Oldridge family continues to honor Matthew’s legacy while expanding the charity’s reach with new partnerships and awareness programs inspired by Carr’s involvement.
Sources
Sources: BBC News, BBC Radio Lincolnshire, Neuroblastoma UK
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