The Big Give Christmas Challenge has raised more than £20m in a week, which is the highest amount ever.
The match-funding campaign saw 764 charities taking part, the most in its 13-years history.
The campaign ran between 1 and 8 December, and some 71,000 donations were made, with an average donation amount of £136. £1m was raised in the first 20 minutes.
The Big Give Christmas Challenge raised £15.6m in total in 2019, when 589 charities took part, and £13.3m in 2018.
The campaign had the support of more than 20 celebrities, including chef Tom Kerridge and actor Sir Michael Palin.
People ‘giving more than ever before’
A range of charities of different sizes and supporting different causes took part in the challenge, and the Big Give said 85% of them exceeded their target.
The Bendrigg Trust, which enables disable people to take part in outdoor adventures and activities, was one of them.
Martha Wood, fundraising and marketing officer, said: “The Big Give Christmas Challenge really did start off with a bang for Bendrigg Trust this year. Within just three and a half hours we had already smashed our £10,000 target – it was just unbelievable.
“The generosity of donors this year has blown our minds. After such a turbulent year we were worried that people may not be able to afford to donate as much, but the way the challenge has gone so far, shows that people who are able to help, are giving more than ever before.”
James Reed, chair of The Big Give, said: “We’re delighted to have raised a record-breaking £20m for 764 good causes. This year people have been especially generous and I would like to thank everyone for their incredible generosity, kindness and support.”
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