Because of Covid-19, this year the event will look very different with presenters Matt Baker, John Craven, Steve Brown, Margherita Taylor, Adam Henson and Anita Rani heading off to various locations in the UK. Each presenter will ramble one-to-one with an inspirational young person who is supported by a BBC Children In Need– funded charity or local project.
Since the Countryfile Ramble began in 2015, it has raised more than £7.9million for the charity. This year the Covid-safe ramble challenges will take place across the nations and regions on 10th and 11th October, and will be filmed for a special programme to be aired on 1st November.
On his ramble, Matt Baker will be located in Cornwall, joined by 16-year-old Harvey who has been supported by Treetops in Derbyshire following the loss of his older brother Ed in 2015. Treetops provides one-to-one support for those affected by bereavement in a non-judgmental space, where Harvey has built confidence and is able to speak honestly.
Unlike previous years, the presenter-led rambles will be closed to members of the public due to restrictions surrounding Covid-19. However, Countryfile is once again calling on the British public to get walking, talking, rambling and ambling for BBC Children in Need by going on their own small, socially-distanced sponsored rambles for the charity. For information on how to get involved and how to ramble safely (including links to the latest Covid-19 Government guidance), visit the Ramble Hub.
John Craven will be keeping his ramble local in Oxfordshire, and also catching up virtually with some of the many rambles put on by individual members of the public across the UK:
“My fellow Countryfile presenters and I can’t wait to get rambling once again for BBC Children in Need. I’m proud to be a part of a show that continues to engage with some truly inspirational children and young people, who have made the Countryfile BBC Children in Need Special a yearly highlight.
“Thanks to donations, BBC Children in Need really can make a difference to the lives of children and young people right across the UK. I can’t wait to see how our viewers organise and carry out their rambles, whilst bearing in mind all the strict health and safety restrictions that are in place because of Covid-19. I’m sure they will rise magnificently to the challenge because, however they ramble, they know that their efforts will change young lives for the better.”
Tommy Nagra, Director of Content for BBC Children in Need said:
“It’s great to be to be teaming up with the Countryfile team once again. We are encouraging the nation to support the charity and get safely rambling across the UK. Taking part in a sponsored walk or hike with friends and family, really does make a difference to the children and young people we support. Together we can continue to be there for those who need us most, especially in these most challenging of times.”
This year’s presenter rambles will take place in October and will be broadcast as an extended programme: The Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need, on BBC One, Sunday 1st November.
Treetops provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life-limiting conditions and those who’ve been bereaved. Last year, the charity provided over 1,100 bereavement sessions for children and families, over 3,000 adult bereavement counselling sessions, and over 600 support sessions for people dealing with a life-limiting condition.
Counselling is available to all users of Treetops Hospice Care services and people registered with a GP practice in Derby city or Southern Derbyshire.
During the Coronavirus pandemic, counselling is continuing for many clients via Zoom and telephone calls. Young people who are unable to return to the bespoke counselling rooms at the hospice in Risley have been receiving bereavement support packages at home. In addition thanks to a booster grant from BBC Children in Need, bereaved children will be receiving individual therapeutic packs so they can return to face-to-face counselling at leading Derbyshire hospice, Treetops
Treetops is doing all it can to continue to support those in most need. The hospice welcomes donations to their Treetops COVID-19 Appeal to ensure the future of the hospice and its services.