Words by Smiley Team
Considering Covid-19 has put a financial strain on many of us, it comes as positive news that the British public managed to raise more than £52 million for Red Nose Day 2021. Taking place on 19th March, the event was marked by an evening of entertainment broadcast on BBC One.
Red Nose Day is focused on fundraising for a wide range of initiatives to tackle issues such as homelessness, hunger, domestic abuse, and mental health problems, all of which have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, nationally and internationally.
Long-term Comic Relief supporter, Davina McCall, who presented the show alongside Alesha Dixon, David Tennant, Paddy McGuinness and Sir Lenny Henry, said: “Tonight was a beautiful reminder of how wonderful and kind-hearted the British public are.
“Everyone knows how special Red Nose Day is, and the enormous power it has to bring us all together in the best of times; but this year, after such a difficult year, we’ve never needed it more. Tonight, we’ve shared love and laughter, and helped raise an incredible amount of money along the way that’ll make such a difference to so many; so, thank you, for your kindness and generosity thank you so much.”
The night featured Russell Brand and Keira Knightly in a film entitled 2020: The Movie, as well as the Duke of Cambridge, who shared a personal message with the nation.
Comic Relief co-founder, Sir Lenny Henry said: “Wow. What a night. After 35 years, you’d think I’d be used to it by now; but the feeling you get when you see that figure at the end of the evening is something else. Red Nose Day was always going to be a bit different this year, but tonight we’ve been able to show just how powerful humour can be by raising an amazing sum of money that’ll help so many people in the UK and around the world.
“Big respect to everyone who’s helped – kids, mums, dads, teachers – we love you. From us all, thank you, for your kindness and generosity, and for being able to donate when times are so tough right now, thank you. You are going to make such a difference in the world.”
The giving doesn’t end there though because you can still donate to Red Nose Day to support the wide variety of causes the initiative is connected to. To aid vulnerable people both in the UK and abroad donate here.
