Our Own Pudsey Bear from Yorkshire
Ishtiaq Ahmed
Bradford: Pudsey Bear, the instantly recognizable yellow, one-eyed cuddly mascot of the BBC’s Children in Need charity, has been a symbol of hope and support for disadvantaged children across the UK since 1985.
Few may know that Pudsey Bear was the brainchild of Joanna Ball, a BBC graphics designer, who named him after Pudsey, a town nestled between Bradford and Leeds in West Yorkshire, where she was born.
Originally introduced as a brown bear, Pudsey underwent a vibrant transformation in 2007, emerging as a cheerful yellow bear with a red-spotted bandage, signifying optimism and warmth.
Despite his cheerful persona, the mystery of Pudsey’s eye patch continues to intrigue fans. One theory suggests the patch symbolizes neediness, making him more relatable to the cause he represents.
This year, the Children in Need appeal raised an impressive £39 million by Friday, November 15, with expectations of surpassing last year’s total of £48 million. Since its inception in 1980, the charity has raised over £1 billion, funding countless projects and initiatives.
Among this year’s highlights was an epic five-day, 300-mile cycling challenge by BBC Radio 2 presenter Paddy McGuinness, which raised £9 million. Riding a children’s bike from Wales to Scotland, McGuinness embodied the spirit of determination and fun that defines the appeal.
The three-hour Children in Need telethon on Friday night featured a star-studded lineup hosted by Ade Adepitan, Chris Ramsey, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Mel Giedroyc, and Lenny Rush.
Contributions came from Strictly Come Dancing, Gladiators, Outnumbered, and Doctor Who. Iconic celebrities such as Graham Norton, Kylie Minogue, Girls Aloud, and Gary Oldman added to the event’s allure.
Gary Oldman, the Oscar-winning actor, contributed a special bedtime story for the show, expressing hope that his narration would “bring warmth, encouragement, and hope to children and families watching.”
The BBC’s association with children’s charity appeals dates back to its first-ever five-minute radio broadcast on Christmas Day 1927, which raised £1,143 18s 3d for four children’s charities. The first televised appeal aired in 1955, led by Sooty and Harry Corbett, and continued annually until 1979.
The format underwent a major transformation in 1980, with a telethon hosted by Terry Wogan, Sue Lawley, and Esther Rantzen. This new approach, conceived by Mark Patterson, sparked public imagination and resulted in the first million-pound milestone. Wogan became synonymous with the appeal, hosting for 35 years alongside stars like Joanna Lumley, Natasha Kaplinsky, and Fearne Cotton.
The enduring legacy of Pudsey Bear and Children in Need is a testament to the collective spirit of generosity and the dedication of countless contributors from across the UK.
