'Children in Need' Fundraising Raises $59 Million To Help Children & Young People Across the UK

The "Children in Need" 2025 fundraising has successfully raised more than $59 million to help children and young people across the United Kingdom.

The fundraising show featured sketches that involved stars from "Gladiators" and "The Apprentice," as well as a performance by some of the "Strictly Come Dancing" professionals. Other acts seen in the show included Lewis Capaldi, McFly's Tom Fletcher and his son Buzz, and Eurovision contestants Remember Monday.

Children in Need Raises $59 Million for Kids in the UK

At the end of the show, the hosts, Paddy McGuinness, Mel Giedroyc, Lenny Rush, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, and Big Zuu, announced the total amount of money that had been raised, noting that roughly $12.5 million was raised by Sara Cox for her 135-mile challenge.

The Radio 2 DJ participated in five marathons over the course of five days, which included running, jogging, and walking through northern England, and ended in the town of Pudsey. When she spoke to Scott Mills, a fellow Radio 2 DJ, she said, "It's just been the maddest, most painful, wonderful thing I've ever, ever done," according to BBC.

She added that she had never really had shapely calves, noting that after her endeavors, they looked like they had been hit with a bat. Cox noted that it felt like a rollercoaster, with her mood changing every three to four seconds.

Cox also told the hosts of the fundraising show that she was "absolutely exhausted" after her physical efforts, but noted that it had been worth it. On the other hand, entrepreneur Lord Sugar was featured in "The Apprentice" skit.

The money raised from the last two years' shows was roughly $51.5 million and $44 million, respectively. With these, the charity has tallied more than $1.3 billion since its inception, Digital Spy reported.

A Monumental Journey

During Cox's marathon through England, she received support from a variety of high-profile individuals, including Prince William, Peter Kay, Mel C, Paula Radcliffe, Dame Judi Dench, and Damon Albarn.

The marathon is by far the longest challenge tackled by Radio 2 as part of the annual fundraiser, which is a testament to Cox's efforts in completing it. She said that there were times when she was on the side of the road in the rain, which made her cold.

She added that while she was running and jogging, truck drivers honked their horns at her, while farmers stopped work to just come and say hi to her. She expressed her gratitude to all of the people who let her inside their homes to go to the bathroom, as per The Guardian.