Skegness holiday resort Butlin’s has announced that its one-of-a-kind Rhinestone Redcoat – created to mark 90 years as the ‘Home of Entertainment’ – has successfully raised £4,500 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity following the close of its public auction.

Unveiled at Butlin’s Skegness in March, the dazzling Redcoat jacket was hand-embellished with over 32,000 rhinestones and designed in collaboration with The Masked Singer costume designer Tim Simpson.

The bespoke piece was created as a sparkling tribute to the iconic Redcoat uniform, honouring nine decades of British holiday entertainment and celebrating the more than 15,000 Redcoats who have shaped guest memories since 1936.

The jacket received 14 bids at auction as part of Butlin’s long-standing support for GOSH Charity, with all proceeds helping to fund the charity’s most ambitious appeal to date – Build it. Beat it. – which is raising money to help build a world-leading new Children’s Cancer Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). As part of this, the £4,500 raised could help fund comfortable, supportive and fully adjustable treatment recliner chairs for patients undergoing long treatments, such as chemotherapy.

placeholder image — Current Butlin's Redcoats with the dazzling one-of-a-kind Rhinestone Redcoat created to mark the brand’s 90th anniversary, at Butlin's Skegness. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA

Currently under construction, the Children’s Cancer Centre, will be a new home for breakthrough treatments, helping to build the future of children’s cancer care and save more lives. The state-of-the-art facility is designed with the needs of seriously ill children and their families at the heart, creating an environment where pioneering research can thrive and kids can still be kids, despite going through the unimaginable.

From their own cancer experience, GOSH patient Aubrey and her family have been supporting GOSH Charity’s fundraising appeal and know first-hand about the difference the Children’s Cancer Centre will make.

Aubrey, aged six, was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a rare and aggressive type of blood cancer, and received treatment at GOSH.

Up until Spring 2025, Aubrey was a healthy and happy child, then suddenly, she began to complain of leg pain. After vomiting blood, Aubrey was taken to her local hospital, who recognised the signs of leukaemia. She was immediately rushed to GOSH and admitted to intensive care where treatment started straightaway, which included different types of chemotherapy and lumbar punctures.

Now, Aubrey is receiving maintenance chemotherapy and goes to GOSH every couple of months. She is back at school and enjoying life so much more.

Aubrey’s mum, Madeleine, said: “I think a new Children’s Cancer Centre will be amazing. It'd be nice to be able to take the children outside and, having their own physio gym would be great.”

Mike Godolphin, Entertainment Director at Butlin’s, said: “This jacket represents 90 years of joy, talent and unforgettable memories created by our Redcoats, so it feels fitting that it will now go on to make a real difference for children and families who need it most.”

Sarah Bissell, Deputy Director of Relationship Fundraising at GOSH Charity, said: “Auctioning their special Redcoat uniform and raising £4,500 is a brilliant achievement and will directly contribute towards vital facilities and equipment in the Children’s Cancer Centre, helping to improve the lives of young patients and their families.

Aubrey, who has been treated by Great Ormond Street Hospital after being diagnosed with leukaemia. Photo: GOSH

“We are so thankful to Butlin’s and everyone who took the time to bid in their auction.”

The relationship between Butlin’s and GOSH Charity began in 1977, when founder Billy Butlin donated funds to purchase the hospital’s first paediatric CT scanner. Butlin’s continues to support the charity through guest fundraising, staff initiatives and special events across its resorts.