In 2026, my wife Jackie and I accompanied by a bunch of friends and Pudsey will sail our yacht Big Bear around the entire UK coastline, to raise funds for BBC Children in Need.

This is not about speed or endurance. It’s about people, communities, and coming together to support children and young people who need help most.

The Challenge

Between May and August 2026, we will:

Sail approximately 2000 nautical miles around the UK

Visit 35 coastal communities

Host 35 short, accessible walks designed to be inclusive and welcoming

Raise funds and awareness for BBC Children in Need

Each stop is an opportunity to meet local people, share stories, and walk together for a cause that matters.

Why BBC Children in Need

BBC Children in Need supports children and young people across the UK who are facing challenges including poverty, mental health issues, domestic abuse, bereavement, and illness.

Our voyage aligns with BBC Children in Need’s May Mental Health Campaign, highlighting wellbeing, connection, and the positive impact of community activity.

What Your Donation Can Do

“A donation of £5 could help to pay for a memory box for a bereaved child, helping them to hold on to precious memories”

“A donation of £10 could help to pay for an Anxiety workbook for a Young Person to manage their mental health”

“A donation of £20 could help to pay for a trained volunteer to make a home visit to a child and their family who are experiencing challenges strengthening family relationships and improving wellbeing.”

“A donation of £25 pays for 15 young people living in a deprived area to have a hot meal at a youth club, ensuring they don’t go hungry and get the support they need to thrive and be the best they can be.”

“A donation of £30 pays for a counselling session for a nine-year-old girl whose Mum is dying, supporting her to process and express her feelings, whilst building coping mechanisms to manage her worries.”

“A donation of £50 could help to pay for a child affected by domestic abuse to receive 1:1 support, helping them to feel less alone and to improve their emotional wellbeing”

“A donation of £100 pays for 80 young people affected by poverty to attend cookery workshops, where they will learn new skills, improve their wellbeing and have access to healthy food.”

“A donation of £200 pays for an 11-year-old boy who cares for his younger siblings to go on a weekend away where he can rest, build his confidence and be a child again.”

“A donation of £500 will pay for a child with a life limiting illness and their family to attend a weekend residential, offering precious quality time together and the comfort of connecting with families facing similar challenges.”

Thank You

Every donation, share, and message of support makes a difference.

Thank you for being part of the Big Bear Voyage 2026.

Jonathan & Jackie