All Hands on Deck – Mark’s events raise over £4,500

Andy Pearce and his daughter Issy – who featured in the popular ITV show My Mum, Your Dad – were among the guests at a charity quiz night at The Rainbow pub in Coven.

Their presence helped smash the fundraisers’ target of £2,500, and the celebrity theme continued as winners took home prizes such as Olly Murs VIP tickets.

Fundraisers Mark Hands and Stephen Cooper hosted darts and pool competitions alongside the quiz, attended by Andy and Issy.

Mark, 53, of Heath Hayes, was diagnosed with a rare blood condition in 2022 and is monitored at Cannock Chase Hospital, part of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT).

A friend’s child was a patient on the RWT Children’s Ward, so the duo decided to raise money to help young patients at the Trust that has been supporting Mark.

Stephen, 52, from Codsall, said “When young people are in hospital there is a limit to how much there is to do to keep occupied.

“We wanted to be able to do something that helped to ensure the children were able to have some fun.”

In the darts, Stephen was pipped by a regular player, while Mark played the part of quiz host.

The quiz was won by a team from Mr Fish, a new mobile fish van owned by Jenson Shore and George Hague, who made a large donation.

Mark said: “There was a right buzz on the night. It was just great fun to do something for a good cause.

“We had a great turnout – even people who aren’t pub goers dropped by to help their local hospital, which is really heartwarming.”

“I’m excited to see what the charity can do with the money – it’s nice just knowing you’re able to make a difference.”

Stephen added: “A big thank you to the Rainbow Inn for hosting us – it’s a real community pub and we were welcomed with open arms.”

Sarah Lewis, Matron on the Children’s Ward, said: “We’re so grateful for any donation and we know the hard work that goes into the events.

“The money will go towards two TV/DVD combinations and refurbishing a parent room on the ward, as well as the kitchen space, to support families to have somewhere to go and take a break and have some quiet time, should they need it.”

Amanda Winwood, RWT Charity Development Manager, said: “We are overwhelmed at this donation and that we are already able to cross off the works for the parent room so early into 2025. The impact this will have is great.

“It is lovely to see the community spirit and everyone coming together to make a difference.”

Mark and Stephen are now looking forward to their next event in April – an Oasis tribute band.