BBC Children in Need raises grand total of £49.1 million

BBC Children in Need has announced the final total for its latest Appeal, raising a phenomenal £49.1 million. Every single penny raised will go towards projects helping disadvantaged children and young people here in the UK.

Thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Great British public, BBC Children in Need is able to support more than 2,500 projects making a real difference to young lives. In the last year alone the charity has been able to make a positive difference to 480,000 young lives, from Shetland to the Channel Islands.

Projects to receive the new funding from the 2014 Appeal include the Hideaway Youth Project in Manchester. This has been awarded a grant of £84,600 to provide youth activities in Moss Side for 100 disadvantaged young people, to help them avoid gang culture and sexual exploitation. The project aims to raise self-esteem and aspirations, whilst giving the young people greater inclusion in society.

Elsewhere, The Fuse Youth Cafe Glasgow will receive £105,200 to establish a healthy living project in Glasgow’s East End. The projects will include both exercise sessions and classes in cooking and healthy eating, and are expected to benefit some 50 local young people.

Funding has also gone to Surfability UK, a Welsh organisation offering surfing sessions for disabled children and young people. Through a grant of £90,000 Surfability will work directly with around 300 young people over the next three years.

Speaking of their grant Benjamin Clifford, Director of Surfability UK, says: “We’re absolutely delighted to have received this funding and are excited to get the project underway. Having taught surfing to disabled groups for over ten years, I’ve seen first-hand the impact that the project can have. Through opening up the sport to those who might not be able to participate elsewhere, we’ll be encouraging a healthy, active and social lifestyle. I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who’s shown their support for BBC Children in Need and made this possible.”

Speaking of the total Sir Terry Wogan, Life President of BBC Children in Need says: “It’s been another fantastic year, with another fantastic total. On behalf of everyone at the Charity and the projects we support, I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you. Your generosity makes it all possible.”

Chief Executive for BBC Children in Need, David Ramsden, adds: “Once again the Great British public has done themselves proud. This is a tremendous result and will allow us to continue our vital work to help benefit disadvantaged young lives. Last year alone we helped change the lives of some 480,000 children and young people, and couldn’t have done so without your support.”