BBC Children in Need’s 2025 Appeal has raised £45.5m on the night, including £9.5m from Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox after completing a 135-mile journey in five days.

This year’s total surpasses last year’s event, which raised £39.2m.

Celebrities involved in this year’s event, which took place on Friday 14 November, included Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Paddy McGuinness, Lenny Rush and Big Zuu .

The event also included an appearance from Cox after completing her journey, which is the equivalent of five marathons in five days.

“Beginning on Monday of Children in Need week, Sara’s Great Northern Marathon Challenge saw her run, jog, and walk across sweeping moorlands, steep ridges, and the rolling hills of Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire – all whilst carrying a very special Pudsey Bear backpack,” said event organisers.

Other appearances on the night included McFly’s Tom Fletcher performing with his 11-year-old son, Buzz.

Ella Eyre and Lewis Capaldi also took part in this year’s fundraiser.

“The generosity shown this evening has been truly extraordinary – especially at a time when life is so challenging for so many,” said BBC Children in Need chief campaigns and engagement officer Claire Hoyle.

“Across the UK, children and young people are facing unimaginable struggles, often carrying burdens far too heavy to bear alone, but thanks to the UK public, we can continue to fund the vital projects and incredible project workers who bring hope when it’s needed most.”

Earlier this year Big Give’s 2024 festive match funding campaign The Christmas Challenge had raised £44.7m, more than the on the night totals of BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief.

This was the first time a dedicated match funding campaign had raised more than such established fundraising events.

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