Deal or No Deal viewers donate over £105K for contestant Brad
Brad has Motor Neurone Disease
Last updated 7th Dec 2023
Since it returned to our TV screens in November, Deal or No Deal has been hugely popular with ITV/STV viewers, with Stephen Mulhern hosting the show every weekday afternoon at 4pm.
Whilst a number of contestants have so far won some huge amounts of money, it was an episode last Thursday (30th November) that really pulled at the heartstrings of viewers, which featured a contestant called Brad Wale.
After Brad was picked at random to play Thursday's game, he was visibly emotional as he revealed to host Stephen that he is living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), going on to admit he'd love to win a large amount of money to tick things off his bucket list.
After admitting he likely only has a few more years left to live, Brad went on to explain he also wanted to leave some money behind for his beloved family, with his mum sat supporting him in the audience.
Despite at one stage in the game things looking like Brad could scoop a big money prize, things didn't go to plan towards the end of the show, when he turned down the banker's offer of £4, only to open his own box to find £5.
As well as the studio audience and Brad's fellow players visibly upset throughout the show, many viewers took to social media to express their heartbreak for him.
One wrote: 'Heartbreaking. If I had the money I’d give it him myself', with another writing: 'Just watched tonight's episode. What a lovely guy Brad is, I really wanted him to win. But he's a winner in everyone's eyes tonight xx ❤️'. (sic)
A third added: 'Heartbreaking what a true inspiration 😢👏😍', with a fourth writing: 'It made me sad so wanted Brad to get the 75K ❤️'. (sic)
Following the episode airing on Thursday afternoon, one of Brad's friends set up a Go Fund Page to try and help him achieve his bucket list.
The post reads: 'Hi! I’m Rochelle, Brad’s friend from Deal or No Deal! I’m sure you all saw Brads devastating game on Deal or No Deal.
'His DOND family really want him to fulfil his dreams and we have set this up on the hope that anyone could maybe spare a couple of pounds and get Brad to tick some bits off his Bucket List.'
With a target of £7,500, at the time of writing the fund has now reached over £105,000!
Commenting whilst kindly donating, many people sent their well wishes to Brad. One wrote: 'Wishing you all the best, Brad. I was in tears watching your episode. I’m so glad you’re able to see what an impact you’ve had on so many people'.
Another added: 'You’re such an inspiration, hope you can tick off some things on your bucket list and make some memories. Isobel'. (sic)
A third wrote: 'Brad, you had terrible bad luck on Deal or no deal, let’s hope this and all the other donations help you with your bucket list and family'. (sic)
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Brad appeared on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday 6th December, where he said: "I just thought a few family members and friends would donate to be honest. From last Thursday the response I've had is something I can never put into words.
"I'm going to get upset now. From the bottom of my heart it means the world and I'll never be able to say thank you enough. You'll never understand how much it's changed my life, so thank you."
Deal or No Deal airs every weekday at 4pm on ITV/STV.
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