BBC Children in Need Feed

Fundraising Heroes - North East

2013-09-25T11:32:21+00:00

Lately we’ve been all over the UK over searching for fundraising heroes, and we’re reaching our final few stops. This week we're visiting the North East, and with our 2013 campaign well under way things are getting busier and busier! As usual we’ve seen some exciting fundraising from the very heroic Great British public, and we’ve chosen a few stories to share with you.

Our first heroes are the York-based vocal group Harmonix. Group member Annette Valentine got in touch to tell us about a fundraising concert Harmonix are holding in aid of BBC Children in Need. Performing an eclectic mix of songs from Abba to Adele, Harmonix are held in high esteem throughout York for their beautiful vocal harmonies. In the concert, taking place on Friday 22 November, the group will be accompanied by Union Central, a York-based americana-influence band, at the Lidgett Grove Methodist Church in Acomb, for a night of sensationa music! If you’d like more details about how you can get down to the concert for a #songanddance to the sweet sounds of the Harmonix and Union Centre, keep an eye on the group’s facebook page.

Harmonix are known for their beautiful vocal harmonies.

As part of our 2013 campaign, we’ve been urging fundraisers to undertake ‘Challenges for Champions’, and we’re glad to see one group from Tyne and Wear who really took the challenge to heart. Jonathan Robison, Adrian Mitchison, Michael Irwin, Alexander Sklikas, Roger Burkill, Ryan Cunningham, and Billy Taylor all got together to attempt the National Three Peaks Challenge. The team triumphantly conquered Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowden, raising a huge £3,095.00 along the way. Heroic stuff!

2013 is shaping up to be a very musical year for BBC Children in Need; we’ve heard from many talented fundraisers telling us about about their musical fundraising adventures. One of these heroes is Junior Turner, a rising singer from Newcastle Upon Tyne who’s recorded a cover of the classic ‘The Impossible Dream’ for BBC Children in Need. Junior’s been getting out there and giving up his time for us, and by doing so he’s been helping to change the lives of children and young people all over the UK, so we think he definitely deserves the title of a fundraising hero!

There’s lots more going on, too. Isobel Johnson emailed to tell us about a coffee and cakes morning she’s been holding today, Wednesday 25 September. There’s nothing better than to get together and #bakeit for a good cause, so we hope Isobel and her guests have a great time.

Jordan Kemp from Scarborough also got in touch to let us know that he’ll be doing a charity bike ride on Saturday 2 November – thanks Jordan, let us know how you get on!

A gigantic thank you to our heroes – every donation helps children and young people right here in the UK. If you’re currently organising your heroic fundraising for this year, let us know! Just email your local address on this page to tell us what you’re up to. You can also get in touch by following us on Twitter, tagging @BBCCiN, and using our campaign hashtag, #beahero. We're also on Facebook. We can help you to promote your fundraising events and maybe, just maybe, you could be a BBC Children in Need Fundraising Hero!

Radio Lollipop opens new hospital studio

2012-08-28T10:25:59+00:00

Cory Davison cutting the ribbon at the launch

Children in hospital across the UK are sending messages to the Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle to celebrate the successful launch of their new Radio Lollipop studio, during their 30th anniversary year.

The new broadcasting equipment in Newcastle was purchased with a grant from BBC Children in Need and will make a big difference to children who have to spend time in the hospital due to illness. Seven year old long term patient and passionate Radio Lollipop supporter Cory Davison, supported by his family from Blyth, cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony.

“I love Radio Lollipop because they play my favourite songs,” says Cory.

As well as operating in 10 UK children’s hospitals, Radio Lollipop runs a further 16 in Australia, New Zealand and the US.

So far its volunteers have helped nearly 5 million children and reached 13 million people worldwide.

Founded in 1979 Radio Lollipop is staffed entirely by volunteers. Trained Radio Lollipop volunteers spend time playing with children on the wards while Radio Lollipop DJs work their magic in the hospital studios. Children can listen from their beds or come into the studio and get involved in the shows.

Radio Lollipop’s work is based on the healing power of play – play is recognised as one of the best therapies for children recovering from illness.

To find out more about the projects funded in your local area, see our who you help section.