Returning to screens for its 12th year, the Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need will see the presenters lacing up their walking boots to take on a ramble challenge alongside five incredible young people who have been supported by BBC Children in Need funded projects. As they walk through the stunning Peak District, the young people will share their own inspirational stories and the challenges they have faced, showing how support from BBC Children in Need can help children and young people overcome obstacles, build confidence and look towards a brighter future.
Presenters Matt Baker, Anita Rani, Margherita Taylor, and Joe Crowley will head to the Hollowford Centre in the Peak District. In the beautiful surroundings, they will take on a series of challenges alongside the young people, while hearing first-hand about the difference that support from BBC Children in Need has made to their lives.
Matt Baker will be undertaking his ramble with Jay and Aine, who receive support from the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice sibling support group, funded by BBC Children in Need. Jay and Aine were introduced to the group after their brother, Eoin, was born with Cri du Chat syndrome, a rare genetic condition that requires full-time care. The Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice sibling support group provides a safe and supportive space for brothers and sisters of children with life limiting and complex needs, helping them connect with other young people in similar circumstances, share their experiences, and access emotional support and fun activities.
Joe Crowley will be teaming up with Tadiwa, who has been supported by BBC Children in Need part-funded charity, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. Tadiwa was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour at just 18 months old and underwent nine years of aggressive treatment. Now partially sighted, Tadiwa has been able to take on sailing adventures through the Trust, building confidence, independence and resilience while meeting other young people who have faced similar challenges. The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust supports young people living through and beyond cancer treatment by providing transformative sailing and outdoor experiences that help them discover what they can achieve, gain independence, and believe in a brighter future.
Anita Rani will be joining Grace, who has been supported by Seashell Trust’s CADS holiday programme, which is part-funded by BBC Children in Need. When Grace was just five days old, she developed a rare type of brain damage, resulting in quadriplegic cerebral palsy and deafness. Despite the significant challenges she faces, Grace approaches life with determination and enthusiasm. Through Seashell Trust’s specialist support, she has been given the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities and experiences that might otherwise be inaccessible, helping her to build confidence, develop new skills and connect with others. For the past six years Grace has been attending Seashell’s CADS programme (Children’s Activities and Disabled Sport). Through its work, Seashell Trust plays a vital role in ensuring disabled children and young people with complex needs can take part in enriching opportunities and reach their full potential.
Joining the ramble challenge this year is presenter Margherita Taylor, who will be walking alongside Bethan. Bethan has been supported by BBC Children in Need part-funded charity, Team Jak. Bethan has beaten cancer three times and through the support of Team Jak, she and her family have been able to access specialist support and services to help them cope with the emotional and practical challenges of childhood cancer. Team Jak supports children and young people with cancer and related conditions, as well as their families, providing opportunities to connect with others facing similar experiences and ensuring they receive support throughout their journey.
Countryfile Presenter, John Craven said: “What I love most about Countryfile Ramble is meeting remarkable children and young people and hearing their stories. This year, we’ll be shining a light on the incredible impact that support can have, and how having somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to can make a difference. Every child needs someone by their side, especially when times are tough. BBC Children in Need are working to make sure no child has to face life’s challenges alone.”
Claire Hoyle, Chief Executive at BBC Children in Need, said: “The Countryfile Ramble is a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the difference that support can make to children and young people. Every child needs someone by their side, especially when times are tough, and through BBC Children in Need we’re working to make sure no child has to face life’s challenges alone.”
John Craven, alongside Pudsey, will also be on hand, speaking with family members and the team from the Lindley Educational Trust, to hear about the impact of BBC Children in Need funding and the difference youth work can make in the lives of children and young people.
Lindley Educational Trust which runs the Hollowford Centre, alongside two community-based youth programmes in Ashton and Sheffield, receives a grant of £43,232, over three years from BBC Children in Need to fund the role of a youth worker to support children and young people living in the local Ashton community. Having experienced first-hand the difference this funding can make, the centre is keen to raise awareness by supporting this year’s Countryfile Ramble and help to raise funds so other children and young people can access the support they need to thrive.
BBC Children in Need is one of the UK’s largest independent funders of youth work, with almost a third of the charity’s funding supporting projects that provide young people with access to skilled youth workers and safe, inclusive spaces within their communities. Through these projects, young people have somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to who believes in them. It’s this support that helps them build confidence, discover their strengths, develop new skills and unlock their potential. This year, Countryfile Ramble shines a spotlight on the transformational role of youth work, and the difference these projects make in local communities.
To further support BBC Children in Need this year, Countryfile viewers will be able to purchase the Countryfile Bobble Hat. For every hat purchased 29% of the price will be donated to BBC Children in Need. For more information, please visit: bbc.co.uk/Pudsey
Since the Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need launched in 2015, thousands of supporters across the UK have come together to raise more than £17.4 million, helping fund life-changing support for children and young people when they need it most.
The 2026 Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need will air on BBC One on Sunday 25 October.
For information on how to raise funds visit the BBC Children in Need website: https://www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/
