Boost for grief charity Winston’s Wish

Bill Bailey won £8,000 for charity in the episode of Celebrity Catchphrase with aired last night.

The comic donated the money to Winston’s Wish, which supports people under025 when their lives are turned upside down by grief.

Bailey said: ‘Winston’s Wish is a charity which has been on my radar for several years. I applaud the work they do to provide support for young people who are dealing with the death of someone close to them. 

‘Two years ago, I hosted an event which helped to raise both awareness and funds for the charity. I know myself how difficult grief can be and especially so when you are young and having to grow up with that grief.’

Bailey was on the Christmas edition of Stephen Mulhern’s ITV show alongside Mel Giedroyc and Vanessa Williams who won and £3,100 for Insulate Ukraine and £2,200 for The London Clinic respectively 

He said he came  to know the charity when friends died, leaving teenage children who 'were going through a tough time'

He expaliend: 'It’s especially hard for kids, I mean, it’s never easy for anyone, but for kids, particularly teenagers, it’s very hard because they’re going through lots of other things as well. 

"There didn’t seem to be a huge amount of support around, but this is where Winston’s Wish come in. They provide that support, so that made it feel like this is something I wanted to get involved with! I found out more about the charity and was just knocked out by the work they do!" 

Two years ago, Bailey gave an interview to a Winston’s Wish youth ambassadors in which he spoke about his grief over the death of Sean Lock, who had died two years earlier.

In it, he told of how he still thinks of his friend, almost forgetting he is no longer with us.

Bailey said: ‘The nature of grief means that there are those moments that just keep happening. 

‘Those triggers - you never know when they're going to arrive, and you know never know from what source they'll come or what the catalyst will be.  They can sometimes just ambush [you]. 

‘It's happened to me on a few occasions with Sean and it can be anything. Sometimes, I see something and think "Oh I should tell Sean" and I go to text him. I see something funny and think that he’d like that. There’s a location, a piece of music, even a taste and it takes me back.’

• Speak to a Winston’s Wish  bereavement support worker by calling 08088 020 021, emailing ask@winstonswish.org or using the live chat at winstonswish.org.

Published: 8 Dec 2025