Prolific charity fundraiser hosting 48hr live-stream for children’s hospice

A prolific charity fundraiser from North Wales is hosting a 48hr live-stream of entertainment in aid of a children’s hospice charity.

On St David’s Day, 34 year-old John Harper, aka Johnny Beard, will kick off the annual Dathlu Twitch Cymru event, a celebration of the best in Welsh online game and music streaming.

In the last two years alone Johnny – along with his gaming friends – has raised a staggering £17,000 for Hope House Tŷ Gobaith with live events on the popular Twitch streaming platform.

Johnny, who is based in Llandudno, said: “This is the third year we have run Dathlu Twitch Cymru and have 57 of the best Welsh streamers from North and South committed to taking part over the now two-day event.

“We raised a brilliant £10k last year and are hoping we may be able to top that this year with the amazing mix of gaming, live music and DJ sets we have lined-up from around the country.

“There’ll be craziness like Minecraft Hide ‘n’ Seek plus a specially modded run through of Resident Evil.

“That’s what’s great about Wales, there’s just so much talent out there and people are very generous.”

Dathlu Twitch Cymru works much-like a telethon in providing great entertainment but also encouraging charitable donations and passing on the message of the individual charity.

In this case, Johnny and his team will be reminding their viewers around the world about the important work of Hope House Tŷ Gobaith who provide respite care for hundreds of local families who are living with a seriously-ill child.

“We’re very proud that the event has been building year-on-year and being able to show our audience the candid videos of the hospices’ work is a very impactive thing. We want to spread as much awareness of Hope House Tŷ Gobaith as possible,” said Johnny.

In a a new twist for 2024, the event will be carried out under the hospices’ £50 Challenge, in which they give a £50 investment which participants try to multiply by as many times possible.

Johnny has used their £50 to purchase the inaugural Dathlu Twitch Cymru Champion Fundraiser Cup trophy which will be awarded to the streamer who raises the most money on the day.

“There’s already some banter with our streamers on who will take home the cup and everybody is excited to see who wins,” said Johnny.

You can join the fun at https://www.twitch.tv/johnny_beard from 9am on March 1st as Johnny kicks it off and also find him on X (Twitter) @johnnybeard42 for updates ahead of the event.