Fundraisers across the South West are tackling grueling endurance events to move Pudsey Bear from Land’s End to John O’Groats for BBC Children in Need.
Perranporth Community School reception teacher Amy Williamson and Year 3 teacher Laura Pryor ran a combined 26 miles to arrive at school in time for morning assembly, as [BBC] reported. The duo wanted to complete an epic run inspired by the number 26, raising £5,000 in the process.
“As a teacher we’re always trying to champion our underserved children and Children in Need as a charity does exactly that,” Williamson told the [BBC].
Marine Academy in Plymouth hosted BBC Devon while teachers completed a 26-hour treadmill run to support the cross-country charity relay.
Sixteen-year-old Harriet, a finalist for the BBC Make a Difference Young Hero award, decorated cupcakes with Pudsey’s face while working at a cafe near St Austell. “I enjoy baking and I thought it would be a good idea to put Pudsey on the cupcakes,” she told the [BBC]. “I think helping others is important so people know they’re not alone and get support elsewhere.”
In West Somerset, eight-year-old Peggy Roberts from Washford began running a full marathon in two-mile stages along the old mineral line between Washford and Roadwater, as [West Somerset Free Press] reported. Inspired by fitness coach Joe Wicks, she surpassed her initial £100 target to raise more than £620 with support from family, friends, and the Minehead Barbarians Rugby Club.
Meanwhile, Newport resident Mo Williams completed a marathon around the running track at Newport Stadium during the October half-term. [InYourArea] said that Williams balanced an egg on a spoon for 105 laps, exceeding his £1,000 fundraising goal by more than 200 percent with help from colleagues at Cineworld Cinemas and RUNNewport.
“I would just like to thank everyone who helped me,” Williams told [InYourArea], thanking his wife Emma, local health groups, and Newport Live for facilitating the venue.
Communities in West Yorkshire also marked the annual appeal with the return of the Pudsey 2p Challenge at Pudsey Leisure Centre. Organised to build a giant mosaic of the mascot using copper coins, the event welcomed families, schools, and local groups to raise money directly for the charity.
Children in Need raised more than £45 million last year, bringing its total since 1980 above £1 billion to fund local projects supporting young people aged 18 and under.
Last year’s appeal alone generated more than £45 million.
BBC graphic designer Joanna Lane created the mascot in 1985, naming the bear after her hometown of Pudsey where her grandfather Irvine Ball served as town mayor, as West Leeds Dispatch reported.