South West Schools Raise Thousands for Children in Need With 26-Themed Challenges
Teachers, pupils and a 16-year-old cafe worker across Cornwall and Devon finished running, treadmill and baking challenges for Children in Need. Schools in Perranporth, Plymouth and Helston each raised more than £4,000 for the charity.
South West fundraisers complete Children in Need challenges this week, with schools in Cornwall and Devon raising thousands of pounds through marathon-style runs, a treadmill relay and a danceathon. The efforts were inspired by the number 26 and ran up to the charity's appeal day on Friday, November 13.
Runs inspired by the number 26
Two teachers at Perranporth Community School ran a half marathon each. Reception teacher Amy Williamson and Year 3 teacher Laura Pryor clocked up 26 miles between them to reach school in time for assembly.
They raised more than £5,000. Williamson said they wanted to do an "epic" run.
"As a teacher we're always trying to champion our underserved children and Children in Need as a charity does exactly that," she said.
At Marine Academy in Plymouth, teachers completed a 26-hour run on a treadmill and raised more than £4,000. Royal William Yard in the city was lit up in yellow.
Schools join the push
Pupils at Nansloe Academy in Helston ran 200 miles as a school. They raised more than £5,900.
Pudsey, the charity's bear mascot, visited Laira Green Primary School in Plymouth to show pupils some moves for their danceathon. Head teacher Claire Jones said the fundraiser mattered "as it's children raising money for children".
The challenges formed part of a collective effort to get Pudsey from Land's End to John O'Groats.
Cupcakes near St Austell
Harriet, 16, had a special visitor at the cafe near St Austell where she works. She decorated cupcakes with Pudsey's face and was a finalist in the BBC Make a Difference Young Hero awards in 2026.
"I enjoy baking and I thought it would be a good idea to put Pudsey on the cupcakes," she said. "I think helping others is important so people know they're not alone and get support elsewhere."
Elsewhere in England
In Yorkshire, charity fundraiser Lindsey Burrow and Look North presenter Amy Garcia pulled the programme's red sofa across the county in an 80-mile challenge. They were due to finish on Friday in Wakefield.
A primary school in West Sussex, St Nicolas & St Mary CE Primary School in Shoreham-by-Sea, raised more than £4,800 through timed fitness challenges.
Children in Need funds local charities across the UK that support children facing illness, anxiety, isolation, grief or a lack of essentials such as food, clothes or a bed. Donations can be made through the charity, from as little as £1.
