Paul Chuckle helps families facing life's hardest moments
“The only way to get round it is to talk to people, grieve, don't be ‘I'm a Rotherham man, I don't cry,’ you know, let it out of you.”
Rotherham comedian Paul Chuckle has been praised for going “above and beyond” in his decade-long support for Marie Curie, turning the loss of his beloved brother Barry into a lasting commitment to helping other families.
The much-loved entertainer became an ambassador for the end-of-life care charity in 2016 and has regularly helped raise its profile through fundraising events and hospice visits.
Recently, he was welcomed to Glasgow's Marie Curie Hospice, where he spent time with patients, families and staff to learn more about the care they provide.
His dedication was recognised in the 2025 New Year Honours, when he was awarded an MBE for his contribution to Marie Curie and end-of-life care.
For Paul, the cause is particularly close to home.
His brother and fellow Chuckle Brothers star Barry died aged 73 in 2018 after being diagnosed with bone cancer.
Marie Curie supported Barry and his family during his final days, giving Paul a personal understanding of the difference compassionate care can make at one of life's most difficult times.
Paul spoke candidly about his grief when he appeared on a Marie Curie Couch podcast with bereavement expert Jason Davidson. Reflecting on the loss of his brother, he said: “The biggest thing I miss is the fun Barry and I had working on stage. At the drop of a hat he could make me laugh, and vice versa.”
He also spoke about the importance of allowing yourself to grieve, saying: “The only way to get round it is to talk to people, grieve, don't be ‘I'm a Rotherham man, I don't cry,’ you know, let it out of you.”
Since becoming an ambassador, he has used his public profile to raise awareness of the charity's work supporting people with terminal illnesses, both in its hospices and in their own homes. Its services also help families and friends cope with the emotional and practical challenges of caring for someone nearing the end of life.
Kate Varley, Head of Nursing and Quality at Marie Curie, Yorkshire, said: “We can't thank Paul enough for the dedication he's shown to Marie Curie since becoming our ambassador in 2016.
“From joining volunteer collections for the Great Daffodil Appeal, to spending time in our hospices chatting with staff and patients, Paul has gone above and beyond to help raise awareness of the work we do and raise vital funds for end of life care.”
She added that almost one in three people reach the end of life without the care and support they need.
“With Paul and our incredible supporters locally and across the UK, we are determined to change that - evolving our services so more people can access expert care earlier, whatever their illness wherever they are, while also supporting their family and friends,” she said.
Among Paul's many contributions was a visit to a Morrisons store in Retford in 2023, where he joined local volunteers collecting donations for the charity's annual Great Daffodil Appeal.
Earlier this year, he embarked on a UK-wide “Thank You” tour to celebrate 40 years of the appeal, travelling from John O'Groats to Land's End and meeting Marie Curie staff, volunteers and supporters along the way.
He also joined charity collections and welcomed special guests aboard the “Daff bike”, a Marie Curie-branded version of the famous Chuckle Brothers' bicycle.
The Glasgow visit was another opportunity for Paul to meet patients, families and staff and see first-hand the difference the charity's care makes.
Paul has also supported major fundraising events in Scotland, including the Glasgow Brain Game, which raised more than £260,000 for end-of-life care.
A decade after becoming an ambassador, Paul's commitment continues to reflect the gratitude he feels for the care his own family received.
His message is clear: no family should have to face the end of life without care, compassion and support.