Children in Need 2023 Raises Over £45 Million for Disadvantaged Young People
LONDON – the BBC‘s annual children in Need appeal concluded Friday night, raising a remarkable £45,745,834 to support projects helping disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. The total, announced during the televised fundraising extravaganza, will fund vital work carried out by charities providing essential support to those facing challenging circumstances.
This year’s appeal saw a diverse range of fundraising activities, from school bake sales and sponsored runs to large-scale corporate partnerships and celebrity challenges. Highlights included a special edition of the daytime show Bargain Hunt featuring Pudsey Bear, and a 25-hour podcasting marathon hosted by Newscast presenter Adam Fleming, alongside contributions from othre BBC radio and podcast teams.
Rapper and chef Big Zuu, who hosted the telethon for the third consecutive year, emphasized the importance of supporting charities focused on carers and parents. “I know how crucial it is for young people to have a trusted adult that they can talk to who believes in them and the power this can have in helping unlock their potential,” he said.
Fleming echoed the sentiment, stating his favorite aspect of presenting was “having the opportunity to hear their stories” and meeting “so many amazing, inspiring people.”
Children in Need, established in 1980, has become a cornerstone of charitable giving in the UK, having raised over £1 billion to date for projects supporting children and young people in need. The funds raised through the annual appeal are distributed to organizations providing services such as food, shelter, education, and emotional support.
