As I approach my 70th birthday, my wife Jackie and I are embarking on a shared adventure with a shared purpose — to give something back.

On 14 May 2026, we will set sail aboard Big Bear — joined by Pudsey and a crew of senior sailors — to circumnavigate the UK. We will visit ports, take on 35 walks, and connect with communities to raise vital funds for BBC Children in Need.

This journey marks a personal milestone for me, and a huge commitment for Jackie, who is leading our press and BBC Children in Need collaboration throughout the voyage — helping us bring visibility, voices and support to the young people who need it most.

BBC Children in Need supports thousands of children facing poverty, loss, loneliness, and mental health challenges — yet right now, they can only fund 1 in every 6 organisations asking for help.

Your support can change that.

We’re aiming to raise £70,000 — £1,000 for every year this adventure represents — so more children receive safety, encouragement, and someone who truly shows up for them.

Please donate, share, and follow our journey.

Together, we can ensure no child faces their challenges alone — and give this celebration of 70 years real purpose.

“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.”

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