Cumbrian TV personality Helen Skelton is gearing up for an exhilarating challenge to raise funds for Comic Relief, embarking on a unique roller-skating event alongside fellow presenter Geth Jones. Dubbed "Gethin and Helen’s Wheely Big Challenge," it kicks off on Thursday morning, March 20, 2025, and promises to be an exciting, 24-hour endeavor.
The challenge, set to begin at the start of BBC One's Morning Live, aims to gather support from various celebrities and Comic Relief alumni, all rallying to keep Skelton and Jones on their roller skates for an entire day. It culminates the following morning, March 21, during the next episode of Morning Live, coinciding perfectly with the widely celebrated Red Nose Day.
Skelton expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I am really excited to get stuck into our roller-skating challenge. For me, it sums up what Comic Relief is all about; raising money for vital work that helps families and communities all over the UK and the world, whilst hopefully putting a smile on people’s faces.” This playful, yet challenging event aims to entertain and engage audiences, reminding them of the importance of charitable contributions.
This year, Comic Relief continues its legacy of fundraising, building on the considerable successes of past years. The nonprofit organization raised an impressive £40 million in its previous campaign, which significantly aided various essential projects aimed at combatting issues like homelessness and food insecurity. Notably, during the pandemic, Comic Relief saw a wave of generosity as their Big Night In campaign yielded over £74 million for vulnerable populations across the UK, underscoring the nation’s spirit of compassion and unity in times of crisis.
Samir Patel, CEO of Comic Relief, highlights the organization’s commitment to addressing critical social concerns. He noted the heartbreak of seeing ongoing inequalities and poverty, stating, “We cannot stop. Now is not the time to pipe down. Instead, it’s time to turn up the volume on the stories that hold enormous power to counter the narratives driving division.” Comic Relief is dedicated to not only raising funds but also shifting the narrative around how communities face their struggles.
Comic Relief's shifting strategy aims to empower communities in grassroots initiatives across countries like Ghana, Zambia, and Malawi. This effort comes from the organization recognizing the importance of local decision-making in effecting real change. By working closely with these communities, Comic Relief ensures that the programs they fund are truly reflective of the communities' needs, addressing issues like women’s rights and local responses to climate change.
In another key event for Comic Relief, Radio 1 presenter Jamie Laing recently passed through Cambridgeshire, with locals cheering him on during his ultra-marathon trek from London to Salford. Laing is running a staggering 150 miles, which he began on March 17, 2025. His journey, capturing community spirit, saw him engaged with supporters from Kimbolton School, where students and faculty took time to encourage him. “Thank you a lot,” Laing expressed to his supporters, demonstrating a light-hearted attitude amidst his exhausting run. His challenge, like Skelton's, promotes the essence of community cohesion for a noble cause.
Laing's efforts have already raised over £78,000 as he continues toward Kettering, showing that personal endeavors in aid of Comic Relief not only raise funds but also inspire collective action and participation from across the nation.
Comic Relief has made substantial strides over the past four decades, funding over 100 million people with a staggering £1.6 billion raised. Its projects continue to make a significant impact on various societal issues, including healthcare, youth services, and domestic abuse—further establishing the organization as a crucial player in the charity space. Skelton and Laing’s challenges are shining examples of how individual actions can contribute to a larger movement.
This year, Red Nose Day returns on March 21, 2025, poised to once again unite communities and support those in need. Audiences are encouraged to keep updated via comicrelief.com and learn how they can contribute to this vital cause. Every small action, whether participating in a challenge or simply spreading the word, can make a difference in someone’s life.
Comic Relief emphasizes that humor and compassion are not mutually exclusive. Their approach remains rooted in the belief that together, communities can overcome any obstacles and work toward lasting, positive change.
