BBC Children in Need’s Covid-19 impacted 2020 Appeal is £10m down on last year, latest figures from the charity have revealed.

This year’s telethon took place on 13 November on the BBC involving celebrities including Joe Wicks, Alex Scott and Mel Giedroyc.

This included using video conferencing to adhere to social distancing guidelines amid the pandemic. For example, fitness expert Wicks raised more than £2m during a 24-hour calorie burning challenge that included Zoom link ups with celebrities including Chelseae manager Frank Lampard.

In total £37,032,789 has been raised, however this is more than £10m down on last year’s total of £47.8m.

“We know that children and young people across the UK need our support now more than ever because sadly, the pandemic has made life even harder for those who were already vulnerable or at risk, but this remarkable total really will go on to help make a difference,” said Children in Need chief executive Simon Antrobus.

“Our incredible supporters have shown once again that together, we can change young lives, and that we will always be here for the children and young people across the UK that need us most. “

Other initiatives during this year’s Children in Need appeal included a link up with Girlguiding to create an ‘Act your Age’ campaign and a special appeal badge featuring its iconic Pudsey character.

Earlier this year the Phone-paid Services Authority warned that charity telethons will be hit hard by economic uncertainty amid the pandemic.

Other major fundraising events are also down this year, as they pivot fundraising online and adhere to Covid-19 restrictions. Donations for this year’s virtual London Marathon to Virgin Money Giving were down by more than a third compared to last year.

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