LITTLER EXPLAINS EMOTIONAL STORY BEHIND FATHER’S BOBBLE HAT

LUKE LITTLER admits his dad’s now-familiar bobble hat is being worn to help raise awareness for a children’s charity.

‘The Nuke’s’ father was once again seen sporting the hat during the World Series events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia earlier this month. 

Anthony Buckley has become a regular presence at tournaments, often seen in his trademark headwear as he supports his son, Littler, throughout his impressive rise to the top of the sport. 

World No1 Littler explained the fashion choice links back to a charity he and his family were introduced to during an appearance on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show.

He said: “Yeah, I think it’s a hat. We were on the Michael McIntyre show.

“I think it’s spreading awareness. Some fella lost his son at a young age, and he’s given us hats and something you put on your wrist just to spread that awareness.

“But if it’s a superstition to him, it is what it is. It’s just showing a bit of awareness.”

The charity is The Matthew22 Fund, which was set up by Gary Hollingworth and his family after the death of his son Matthew, who sadly lost his battle with bone cancer in 2022. 

The Matthew22 Fund supports children and families facing life-threatening illnesses. 

Gary appeared on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show in February 2025, where he competed against Littler in front of thousands at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. 

The charity has since confirmed that Michael McIntyre has become its patron, helping to further raise awareness for the cause.

Image by Taylor Lanning.