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Emily and the BBC Children in Need Challenge Squad

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The One Show welcomes back the epic fundraising challenge, The Challenge Squad for BBC Children in Need, and we’re so excited to announce that Emily – a long-standing CPotential friend and service user – is on the team. Yay!

So, what is The Challenge Squad?

• Four inspirational young people will be taking on personal challenges to help raise funds for BBC Children in Need
• Championed by Alex Jones, Roman Kemp and joined by other celebrity supporters to be announced in the coming weeks, the squad will each find out what challenge they have been set, with all the challenges ramping up for some very special moments over the BBC Children in Need 2024 Appeal week
• Two of the four challenges will culminate in moving performances on BBC Children in Need’s 2024 Appeal show.

As announced on BBC One’s The One Show this week, BBC Children in Need have teamed up with The One Show and BBC Radio 2 for a second year running to welcome back the epic fundraiser The Challenge Squad.

The Challenge Squad is made up of four inspirational young people who have benefitted from BBC Children in Need funding, who will be championed by Alex Jones, Roman Kemp and more famous faces soon to be announced, as they undertake incredible challenges to help make a difference to young lives.

In the coming weeks, the young people will find out what challenge they have been set by their celebrity ambassador which will all culminate in some very special moments over BBC Children in Need’s 2024 Appeal week. Excitingly, two of the challenges will feature on BBC Children in Need’s 2024 Appeal show, further details will be shared in the coming weeks, but audiences can look forward to two very moving performances on the night.

Children across the UK are facing greater challenges than ever, with mental health conditions such as anxiety & depression rising, and many simply carrying a load that’s too heavy to manage alone. Right now the charity is only able to help 1 in 8 of the organisations who apply for funding. In light of this, The One Show are calling for their supporters across the UK to not just support the challenge squad but to challenge themselves as well to raise funds for children and young people when they need us most.

Whether it’s challenging yourself to sponsor a scooter ride to school or even baking brownies for a bake sale, a little act could go a long way in closing the gap.

The One Show viewers will be able to watch how the challenges unfold in the coming weeks, whilst learning the young people’s inspiring stories in the run up to the BBC Children in Need Appeal Show.

The One Show’s Alex Jones who will be championing the squad and mentoring one of the young people ahead of their challenge, said:

“I am proud to be back again for a second year to mentor one of this year’s incredible Challenge Squad. Each and every one of the squad represents a BBC Children in Need funded project and is determined to make a difference to young lives as they complete their challenge to raise funds to make life lighter for children.” Alex Jones

Roman Kemp who will also be championing the squad and supporting one of the young people as they prepare for their challenge, commented:

“Every child should have the chance to thrive and be the best they can be. I am incredibly proud to be joining the Challenge Squad on their journeys this year and to be shining a light on the incredible work BBC Children in Need does to be there for children and young people when they need us most. I hope that the stories of these powerful young individuals in the Challenge Squad inspire others to challenge themselves and make a difference.” Roman Kemp

The Challenge Squad is made up of the following young people:

Emily, 21 from North London was born premature with cerebral palsy which affects her ability to move and get around. Emily began attending CPotential, a BBC Children in Need supported charity from the age of three which helps young people like Emily to strengthen their body and improve movement. With her new found confidence and independence from attending CPotential, Emily has followed her dream to study Law at University and hopes to specialise in Human Rights Law to advocate for disabled people who face discrimination. Click here to donate to CPotential and help children like Emily reach their full potential.

Ethan, 16 from Bridgend, Wales was diagnosed with Hurler Syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis type I ) at six months old, a rare condition that affects his growth, bones, hearing and eyesight. Through a recommendation from his school, Ethan was introduced to UCAN, a BBC Children in Need supported creative arts charity for visually impaired children and young people. The therapy and mentorship provided by UCAN helped Ethan come to terms with the health challenges he faces and begin to look forward and to embrace life again.

Grace, 19 from Glasgow was diagnosed with neuroblastoma just days after her 16th birthday. Treatment was extensive and included a stem cell transplant, immunotherapy, an operation to remove the tumour and chemotherapy. MOVE, a BBC Children in Need supported charity, worked with Grace to access the benefits of exercise following her treatment and supported her in building up her physical and mental strength. With the help of MOVE, Grace felt ready to return to the gym which has been beneficial to her general wellbeing, stamina and confidence.

Tanisha, 17, Slough, was just fourteen when her father Mario was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. For nine months he underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy but treatment was unable to save him. When Mario died, Tanisha and her family found support from Thames Hospice, which BBC Children in Need provides funding for, who helped them come to terms with their loss. As a result of the care she received from Thames Hospice, Tanisha has been inspired to help other young people coming to terms with loss.

Commenting on the Challenge Squad, Joanne Vaughan Jones, Editor of The One Show said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Challenge Squad is making a return this year with another brilliant team of young people. Their stories are truly inspirational, having overcome so many challenges in their lives. We hope this year’s team and their extra special challenges will be something that our viewers enjoy watching and we hope that they cheer them on from home and help us to raise money that will go on to support other young people across the UK when they need it most.”

Tommy Nagra, Director of Content at BBC Children in Need added: The Challenge Squad is an opportunity for us to shine a light on the impactful and powerful stories of young people who have been supported by BBC Children in Need funding. We can’t wait for you to meet this inspiring team and watch them as they go from strength to strength as they complete their individual challenges. Right now we can only fund 1 in 8 organisations that apply to us for funding, so please give what you can and show them your support.

Watch The One Show from the 16th October on BBC One to see how the challenges unfold.

To donate to BBC Children in Need, click here.