Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need returns
Now in its ninth year, the event sees Countryfile presenters team up with inspirational young people to take on a ramble challenge in some of the UK’s most picturesque spots.
Presenters Matt Baker, Anita Rani, Charlotte Smith and Margherita Taylor will be heading off to various locations across the UK, with an inspirational young person who has been supported by a BBC Children in Need funded project. Together they will take on a ramble challenge and support one another as they take in the sights and activities along the way.
Since the Countryfile Ramble began in 2015, ramblers across the UK have raised more than £14.2million for the charity.
This year will see the presenters joined by young people in some of the most stunning spots in Wales, Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland for the 2023 Countryfile Ramble special, which will air on Sunday 29th October.
Tommy Nagra, Director of Content for BBC Children in Need said:
“We are delighted that Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need is back. This year we’ll be sharing the stories of some truly incredible children and young people who inspire others and want to make a difference for other youngsters like them in need of support. We hope that the Ramble encourages our supporters to challenge themselves, and get outdoors so that BBC Children in Need can continue funding incredible projects across the nation.”
Matt Baker will be undertaking his ramble in Wales with 12-year-old Lily and her 10-year-old friend Isabella who both had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). They have been supported in their recovery by Anne, a Play Therapist at Kids Cancer Charity, thanks to funding from BBC Children in Need.
In Scotland, Anita Rani will be joined by 13-year-old Erin who at six months old, received a liver transplant after a very difficult battle with liver disease. Throughout subsequent health battles she has been supported by a BBC Children in Need funded project at the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation.
Anita Rani
Margherita Taylor will be rambling with 20-year-old Fionntan, a young man from an isolated and rural village in the South-East of Northern Ireland. Fionntan came out as a teenager to his community and found friendship and acceptance when he joined Crisis Café in nearby Newry where there are two mental health practitioners funded by BBC Children in Need.
In England, Charlotte Smith will be joined by 7-year-old Joey, who has Cerebral Palsy. Joey has been supported by a BBC Children in Need funded project, STEPS Conductive Education, for most of his young life.
Meanwhile, John Craven will be catching up with ramblers across the UK who are challenging themselves, and holding their own sponsored rambles to raise money. He will be joined by 15-year-old Cianna, whose mum Hayley set up BBC Children in Need funded youth project, Cianna’s Smile, following Cianna’s diagnosis at the age of 3-days-old with Sickle Cell Anaemia, a serious life-long blood condition.
John will be encouraging people across the UK to take part in their own sponsored rambles to help benefit the lives of children and young people across the nation who are facing a variety of challenges. For information on how to take part, visit: bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/countryfile-ramble
John Craven said:
“We’re thrilled to be in our ninth year of Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need. This is always such an exciting time of year for our viewers, and I know they will be supporting the presenters and young people taking on this year’s ramble challenges. Going on a sponsored ramble is a brilliant way to help change the lives of children and young people across the UK for the better – taking part in a ramble is not only good for your wellbeing and physical health but will give projects and local charities the funds they need to give young people a brighter future.”
The Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need will air on BBC One on Sunday 29th October.
