A new hour-long special for Sports Relief looks back on those who have put their bodies and minds on the line for Sport Relief challenges
In a new one-hour special set to air on Friday 6 March, Greg James’ Sports Relief Heroes looks to document some of the biggest challenges taken on in Sport Relief history. Highlighting the highs and lows of extraordinary celebrity fundraising, Greg James meets with David Walliams, Eddie Izzard, Davina McCall, Alex Jones, John Bishop and Zoe Ball to find out more about how they each overcame physical and emotional barriers to reach the finish line.
Having raised millions over the years to help change lives across the UK and around the world, these celebs pushed themselves past their comfort zones to scale rock faces, take on Ironman triatholons, swim the Channel and the Thames, and run thousands of miles all in the name of Sport Relief.
This year, a team of celebrities are taking on a 100 mile trek across the Namib Desert, scaling the highest sand dunes in the world in temperatures as high as 35C. Speaking about the upcoming documentary, Greg commented:
“It’s been fascinating to chat one-on-one with this special club of people who have all done extraordinary things during Sport Relief challenges. They all had very different experiences - full of incredible highs and terrifying lows - but everyone I spoke to shared one common desire. They were ready to push themselves to their limits in order to raise money and awareness for others. Finding out what drove them on has reminded me how powerful togetherness and community can be in fighting inequality and overcoming adversity.”
Sharing some of the most memorable Sport Relief moments from past years, viewers can once again see the inspiring moments that prompted so many to donate to the cause.
Richard Curtis, co-founder of Comic Relief, said: “Sport Relief is incredibly grateful for the heroic challenges our supporters have taken on over the years. They have made people sit up in awe, fear and trepidation at such an unfit bunch doing such big things - brought a smile to faces and the occasional tears to the eye - and not only raised a huge amount of money themselves but, crucially, inspired the nation to get moving and raise extra millions themselves for life-changing projects at home and abroad. I'd like to personally thank Greg, John, Davina, David, Alex, Eddie, Zoe and everyone else who has been pushed way beyond their limits in all the beautiful and bizarre Sport Relief fundraising challenges.”
Sport Relief
Raising money to help tackle a wide range of issues, Sport Relief has heled tackle issues including mental health stigma, homelessness, domestic abuse, and poverty. Supporting causes in the UK and around the world, people across the UK are encouraged to take on sports-related challenges to raise money for charity this March 13.
Physical sports aren’t the only thing being encouraged; Sport Relief is encouraging gamers to get involved and take on the Game Raising challenge by creating a fundraising page and playing the games they love via streaming, tournaments, and games nights to raise money for good causes.
Since 2018, donations to Sport Relief have helped 13 million people worldwide. Aiming to create a fairer world free from poverty, Sport Relief has helped improve support for mental health services, ensure that people have a safe place to be, helped children survive and thrive in deprived areas, and helped reduce fear, violence and discrimination.
Since the last Sport Relief, over 74,000 people have been supported in accessing quality mental health services, thanks to £4 million awarded to mental health support charities, initiatives, and services.
Find out more about how you can get involved by ordering your free fundraising pack, get tips on setting up a JustGiving page, and find inspiration and motivation to set up your own sporting challenges.
Sport Relief returns on Friday 13 March. Since launching in 2002, Sport Relief has raised over £378 million for good causes around the world.
Catch Greg James’ Sport Relief Heroes on BBC One on Friday 6 March, 10:35 pm or watch it later on BBC iPlayer.
Photo credit (1): Photography by Lisa Douglas and Comic Relief.
Photo credit (2): Photography by Patch Dolan and Comic Relief.
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