Children in Need will have its 46th telethon this evening. The charity will be on our screens seeking to help children and young people across the UK.
The BBC charity funds vital support for children and young people who struggle with challenges caused by mental health, poverty, social inequality, and family-related issues. Thanks to partnerships and fundraisers, they provide life changing support.
They are the UK’s largest independent founder of youth work and through youth clubs young people have access to safe spaces and hot food, as well as friendships, support, and encouragement.
Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox is putting her body to the test for a good cause this year. As she takes on the 135-mile run, which is equivalent to 5 full marathons. Cox will be tackling rolling hills, cross country terrain, and gruelling weather conditions as she traverses four counties, in Radio 2’s longest ever challenge duration wise.
She started the 4-day battle in Northumberland at Kielder Forest and is due to finish in Pudsey Bear’s name origin town Pudsey in West Yorkshire. The broadcaster revealed she has had support in abundance from colleagues, friends, family and even Hollywood star Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson!
The theme for Children in Need this year is “Challenge Yourself to 25”, encouraging people to take on a fundraising challenge related to the number 25. For example, baking 25 cupcakes, or running 25km.
In Media City, not even Storm Claudia can stop the party as Pudsey’s Piazza kicks off at 4pm. With Greggs, McDonalds, RAF Red Arrows, and social media superstars Spud Bros being just a few of the partners in attendance. Entry is free, people of all ages are welcome to come and enjoy the activities until 8pm tonight.
At 7pm live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, Pudsey will be back on our screens. Hosts, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Lenny Rush, Vernon Kay, Paddy McGuinness and Big Zuu, will present a packed evening of sketches, performances, and exciting moments. Including musical performances from Ella Eyre, Tom Fletcher, Remember Monday, and Lewis Capaldi! There will also be a performance from the Children in Need’s choir.
The BBC’s first charity appeal was a five-minute broadcast on Christmas Day in 1927, where they raised about £1342 for four children’s charities. The first Children in Need telethon aired in 1980, and the event raised £1 million. Since then, the organisation has raised over £1 billion in total.