BBC Children in Need’s fundraising total for its 2020 appeal was £57m, up from £54m in 2019.
The on the night total was around £37m, around £10m lower than in 2019 when it was £47.9m.
However, the BBC Children in Need’s 2020 November appeal total grew to £57m as donations and fundraising income from across the UK was paid in subsequent months.
BBC Children in Need said the total each year fluctuates, and this is not due to any one thing.
“As with our overall fundraising total, our on the night total also fluctuates, but in such difficult times we’re delighted with the 2020 fundraising total and are so grateful to the public for showing their support once again for the UK’s children and young people,” a spokesperson for BBC Children in Need said.
In 2020, Joe Wicks’ 24-hour non-stop PE challenge with BBC Radio 2 raised £2.5m, contributing to BBC Radio 2’s overall total of £2.8m.
Countryfile’s 2020 calendar and Ramble special raised £5.6m and DIY SOS’ big build special, raised a £1.3m. The One Show’s Rickshaw Challenge raised £6m.
'This is a testament to the kindness and generosity of the Great British public'
During the pandemic, BBC Children in Need has awarded 2,700 grants to a value of £73m.
This includes £35.1m in funding to address the impact of isolation on emotional wellbeing and mental health, £18.7m to those facing increased financial uncertainty, £1.9m to bereaved young people, £11.8m in grants to support disabled children and £9.8m in funding to help keep children safe from harm.
It has also dedicated over £3m of funding specifically to address digital exclusion.
Simon Antrobus, chief executive of BBC Children in Need, said: “Our supporters across the UK can be incredibly proud of this total, and the vital impact it’s making. After a year of immense challenge and uncertainty for children and young people facing disadvantage, this is a testament to the kindness and generosity of the Great British public that over the course of the pandemic we have delivered £73m to help children and young people navigate through the challenges of Covid-19, providing a lifeline when it was needed most.
“Our incredible supporters have shown once again that together, we can change young lives, and that we will always be here for the children and young people across the UK that need us. Thank you."
The 2020 total is unaudited and subject to change as BBC Children in Need finalises year-end accounts.
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