A LOCAL charity is unquestionably thrilled after a well-known patron nailed the answers to scoop an impressive amount on a TV quiz show.
Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh appeared in the hotseat on a celebrity edition of Who Wants to be a Millionaire on ITV.
Julie, who lives in Broadbottom, decided to compete to raise funds for Reuben’s Retreat – which supports families who have suffered the loss of a child or have a child living with medical complexities.
The charity was founded in August 2012 following the tragic passing of Reuben Michael Graham, aged just 23 months.
Julie, alongside her husband Ian Kershaw, has been a patron since 2013 and is a huge advocate for the cause.
The actress – who has appeared in popular TV shows such as Coronation Street, Mr Bates vs The Post Office and Broadchurch – appeared opposite host Jeremy Clarkson on the celebrity special which aired on ITV on Sunday, February 9.
Showing her vast knowledge, Julie managed to answer some challenging questions correctly, to eventually come away with £64,000 – much to the charity’s delight.
“Julie is a much-loved and treasured supporter of our charity and she is most definitely always on our ‘phone-a-friend’ list,” said founder Nicola Graham.
“When she told us that she had chosen to compete on our behalf on such an iconic show, we were overwhelmed.
“The amazing amount of money she won is just the icing on the cake really as we were simply honoured for Reuben’s Retreat to have a platform to so many people across the UK.”
Julie’s appearance on the show coincided with the launch of Reuben’s Retreat’s ‘One in a Million’ campaign, to help raise vital funds to build four purpose-built apartments where families can relax, recharge and make memories.
More information can be found at https://www.reubensretreat.org/get-involved/fundraising/one-in-a-million/