'We had a great turnout' - TV stars attend charity quiz night which raised more than £4,500 for Wolverhampton patients

Father and daughter duo Andy Pearce and 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 as well as the quiz, attended by Andy and Issy.

With a family connection to the Children’s Ward, the fundraiser was aimed at helping to ensure young patients were able to have fun while in hospital.

 Mark, 53, from 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), while a friend’s child was a patient on the Children’s Ward.

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 was Coven’s answer to Bradley Walsh as host of the quiz.

That was won by 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 said: “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 refurbing a parent room on the ward, as well as the kitchen space, to support parents and families to have somewhere to relax – to take a break and have some quiet time, should they need it.”

Amanda Winwood, 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 great 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.