Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day telethon event this year raised £30m on the night, a fall of £4m on last year’s total.

This is the second year in a row where the telethon’s on the night title has fallen by a similar amount. Last’s year’s £34m total was £4.6m down on the previous year.

The event took place on Friday March 20 and included an eight consecutive day cycling fundraiser by Radio 1 DJ Greg James. This raised more than £4m as he travelled from Weymouth to Scotland on a tandem.

Those joining him included Prince William, Tour De France winner Geraint Thomas, comedian Joe Lycett, comedian and YouTuber Max Fosh, fellow Radio 1 DJ’s Jamie Laing, Arielle Free, and broadcaster Alice Levine.

“What Greg has achieved over the past eight days is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Comic Relief chief executive Samir Patel.

“The challenge has captured the nation's attention and shows the force of good when we come together, helping to raise funds for people who are struggling to eat, sleep and feel safe right now.

“We’re so thankful for every donation, and for everyone who has lined the streets to keep Greg’s spirits high and be part of this epic endeavour. Seeing communities come together like this is exactly what Red Nose Day is all about - people helping people and looking out for one another.”

This year’s event marked a return to falling returns for the telethon, which at its 2015 peak raised £78m.

This trend had temporarily halted in 2024 when its £38.6m total was £6.6m up on the previous year.

Falling on the night totals for Red Nose Day also coincide with the emergence of match funding as a dominant force in fundraising events.

Big Give’s annual Christmas match funding campaign raised a record £57.4m for good causes in 2025, with more than 1,500 charities benefitting.

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