Countryfile Presenters Call on the Nation Once Again to Get Rambling and Raise Funds for BBC Children in Need
Programme’s presenting team encourages the British public to get rambling as the Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need returns for another year
Sunday 13th September: BBC Countryfile has this evening announced the return of the Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need. Now in its sixth year, the return of the Ramble will see regular Countryfile presenters, lacing up their walking boots, and taking on rambles across the UK.
Because of Covid, this year the event will look very different with presenters Matt Baker, John Craven, Steve Brown, Margherita Taylor, Adam Henson and Anita Rani heading off to various locations in the UK. Each presenter will ramble one-to-one with an inspirational young person who is supported by a BBC Children In Need- funded charity or local project.
Since the Countryfile Ramble began in 2015, it has raised more than £7.9million for the charity. This year the Covid-safe ramble challenges in the great outdoors across the nations and regions will take place on 10th and 11th October and will be filmed for a special programme to be aired on 1st November.
Unlike previous years, the presenter-led rambles will be closed to members of the public due to restrictions surrounding Covid-19. However, Countryfile is once again calling on the British public to get walking, talking, rambling and ambling for BBC Children in Need by going on their own small, socially-distanced sponsored rambles for the charity. By combining our individual efforts , together we can support children and young people facing disadvantages right across the UK. For information on how to get involved and how to ramble safely (including links to the latest Covid-19 Government guidance), visit the Ramble Hub at bbc.co.uk/countryfile
On his ramble, Matt Baker will be located in Cornwall, joined by 16-year-old Harvey who has been supported by Treetops Hospice Care in Derbyshire following the loss of his older brother Ed in 2015. Treetops provides one-to-one support for those affected by bereavement in a non-judgmental space, where Harvey has built confidence and is able to speak honestly.
In Scotland, Anita Rani will be joined by 15-year-old Kim, whose eldest brother Zac has Cystinosis, a life-shortening condition. Kim is currently supported by a BBC Children in Need funded project run by the charity CHAS (Children’s Hospice Across Scotland). The project provides a sibling support group where Kim can relax and talk openly about any worries.
In Wales, Steve Brown will be taking on his own extreme ramble challenge alongside his brothers. Steve’s challenge is inspired by five-year-old Emerson, who has a spinal cord injury caused by a re-occurring arachnoid cyst, and who earlier this year contracted coronavirus. Through BBC Children in Need funding, Back Up – a charity which supports people affected by spinal cord injury across the UK to rebuild confidence – is able to provide residential courses where Emerson can take part in fun outdoor activities and learn vital wheelchair skills to live independently.
In Northern Ireland, Margherita Taylor will be joined by 17-year-old Clara, who has previously dealt with anxiety, and has been supported by Community Intercultural Programme’s Oasis Youth project in County Armagh. Oasis Youth has provided Clara with one-to-one support, and has given her the opportunity to join the project’s leadership programme, where Clara is a role model and supports younger volunteers.
In the Cotswolds, Adam Henson and his sheepdog Peg will be joined for part of their ramble by Rayane and his support dog, Diesel. Rayane, who developed hearing loss at the age of 18 months old, is currently supported by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People in Buckinghamshire; the project provided the family with Diesel to help Rayane feel less isolated and to alert him to important sounds. Also joining Adam on the second half of the ramble will be Molly who has Cerebral Palsy, along with her disability assistance dog Chess. Molly is supported by the charity Support Dogs based in South Yorkshire; they trained Chess and matched him with Molly in 2019 – since then he has provided Molly with both the practical support and the confidence to be more independent at home and outside.
Meanwhile, John Craven will be keeping his ramble local in Oxfordshire, and also catching up virtually with some of the many rambles put on by individual members of the public across the UK.
John Craven said: “My fellow Countryfile presenters and I can’t wait to get rambling once again for BBC Children in Need. I’m proud to be a part of a show that continues to engage with some truly inspirational children and young people, who have made the Countryfile BBC Children in Need Special a yearly highlight. Thanks to your donations, BBC Children in Need really can make a difference to the lives of children and young people right across the UK. I can’t wait to see how our viewers organise and carry out their rambles, whilst bearing in mind all the strict health and safety restrictions that are in place because of Covid-19. I’m sure they will rise magnificently to the challenge because, however they ramble, they know that their efforts will change young lives for the better.”
Tommy Nagra, Director of Content for BBC Children in Need said: “It’s great to be to be teaming up with the Countryfile team once again. We are encouraging the nation to support the charity and get safely rambling across the UK. Taking part in a sponsored walk or hike with friends and family, really does make a difference to the children and young people we support. Together we can continue to be there for those who need us most, especially in these most challenging of times.”
This year’s presenter rambles will take place in October and will be broadcast as an extended programme: The Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need, on BBC One, Sunday 1st November.
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For more details on any of the rambles, images or interview requests, please contact:
Notes to editors
The rambles will take place on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th October. Unlike previous years, the presenter led rambles will be closed to members of the public due to restrictions surrounding Covid-19.
The public can join in by putting on their own sponsored rambles to help raise funds for BBC Children in Need. Simply visit the charity’s ramble page, www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey, to set up a fundraising page. The public can also add their progress to the collective total and turn their miles into money.
Information on how to ramble safely (including links to up-to-date Covid-19 Government guidance for your area), can be found via the Ramble hub (follow the link from bbc.co.uk/countryfile).
About BBC Children in Need
BBC Children in Need’s vision is that every child in the UK has a safe, happy and secure childhood and the chance to reach their potential. The charity will realise this vision by supporting, promoting and publicising work that addresses the challenges that children and young people face and work that builds their skills and resilience.
BBC Children in Need is currently supporting over 3,000 local charities and projects in communities across the UK that are helping children and young people facing a range of disadvantages such as living in poverty, being disabled or ill, or experiencing distress, neglect or trauma.
