Children in Need 2008: Fundraisers make a difference

9:30am Monday 17th November 2008

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Click here to check out the Children in Need 2008 picture gallery.

FUNDRAISERS from across the South flocked to Basingstoke as the BBC’s Children in Need southern campaign returned to Milestones museum.

The BBC aired its southern coverage on Friday night from Milestones for the second year running.

The museum was filled with hundreds of fundraisers armed with large cheques, and saw a live performance from X-Factor duo Same Difference.

A total of £30,118.15 was collected at the museum on the night, which went towards the £1,414,380 collected from fundraisers in the South.

In total, the BBC campaign raised £20,991,216 on the night, smashing all other previous records and beating last year’s total of £19,089,771.

Performers including Take That, Girls Aloud and the Sugababes appeared on the BBC One national appeal show.

In Basingstoke, X-Factor finalists Same Difference, made up of siblings Sean and Sarah Smith, sang Breaking Free from the High School Musical film, backed by schoolchildren from Dorset.

Sean, 23, said: “I thought the kids behind us were fantastic and that’s what tonight is all about, giving people opportunities and the fun of the occasion.

Click here to check out the Children in Need 2008 picture gallery.

“It’s a lovely place and a lovely atmosphere and we could have partied here all night.”

BBC South Today presenters Georgie Palmer and Roger Johnson were the hosts on the night, announcing totals of money raised throughout the evening.

Mr Johnson said: “I have done Children in Need for 11 years and I have never known us return to the same place.

“It’s such an unusual environment and such a great setting.”

He added: “It never ceases to amaze me how generous people are. People give money year after year after year.”

The show marked the end of an eventful day of fundraising across Basingstoke.

Russell King was one of three men from AXA Insurance to grimace in pain as they had their legs waxed at the Waxworks beauty salon in Church Street, raising around £350.

The 24-year-old said: “The worst parts were on the backs of my knees and on my toes. It was definitely worth it for Children in Need, even if people at the office are going to laugh at me.”

Staff at the ASDA supermarket, in Brighton Way, Brighton Hill, raised more than £2,000 by taking turns to cycle 250 kilometres on a stationary bike.

Pupils across north Hampshire joined in the fun, including children at Park View Junior School, in Pinkerton Road, South Ham, who used Pudsey’s bandana as a fashion guide by dressing in spotted clothes, raising £461.54.

Click here to check out the Children in Need 2008 picture gallery.