World nettle eating champion Mike Hobbs won £30,000 in a competition – and donated it all to Dorset County Hospital (DCH).
The father of two from Dorchester has nominated the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) to receive the cash prize.
Mike won a competition playing the new Pokémon video game, Champions, in London this summer.
The money donated will help to fund new ensuite accommodation for parents on the SCBU ward, so families can be close as their babies receive life-saving care.
Mike is a local tree surgeon and first came into the spotlight as three-time men’s World Champion stinging nettle eater, which is hosted at the Bottle Inn in Marshwood.
The Pokémon competition is comprised of individuals from all around the world who are champions in various niche and eccentric sports.
Following Mike’s success with nettle eating, he was selected to play the new Pokémon Champions game, competing against seven others, including a pillow fighting champion from America and an air guitar champion from Canada.
Nettle eating champion turns Pokémon novice
Mike said: “I had never played Pokémon in my life.
“We spent one day in a conference room being taught by the Pokémon World Champion how to play.
“I sat in the front row, made lots of notes and couldn’t believe it as I made it to the final and then won, becoming the Pokémon Champions, Champion of Champions!”
Mike won a holiday to Singapore for his family next year, and the opportunity to donate £30,000 to a charity of his choice.
Donating to DCH was an easy decision: both Mike’s children spent time in SCBU, where they received lifesaving care when they were born.
“I have everything to thank Dorset County Hospital for – without them my wife and children wouldn’t be here,” said Mike.
“We stayed there for many nights, with both of our children receiving care when they were born.
“The dedicated NHS staff have the highest level of care for tiny and sick babies while being amazingly reassuring for parents at such an emotional and difficult time.”
Débora Pascoal Horta, Neonatal Matron on SCBU at DCH, said: “The team are extremely grateful for this amazing donation.”
Simon Pearson, head of DCH Charity, added: “Thank you also to Pokémon for this generous donation.”