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Local fundraiser George cycles lap of Brands Hatch race circuit in Kent, to help raise money for Red Nose Day
Initial fundraising target of £100 now stands at over £1,900
There’s still time to support George here(opens in new window)
Red Nose Day returns tonight from 7pm on BBC One
Find out more at comicrelief.com/rednoseday
Friday 18th March: A six-year boy from Surrey has cycled a lap of the world-famous Brands Hatch race circuit in Kent, to help raise money for Red Nose Day.
Last weekend, George, who only learnt to ride a bike last Summer, completed a lap of the circuit – which is nearly 4km long – in under 30 minutes, cheered on by his parents and brothers, on what was a chilly, windy, and wet morning.
George’s fundraising target was initially £100, but now incredibly stands at more than £1,900. There is still time for people to support George’s challenge here(opens in new window).
George had initially approached his dad, Tom Chilton, a professional racing driver, to say that he wanted to take on a fundraising challenge for Red Nose Day to help raise money for children and young people in need of support. Inspired by regular trips to the Brands Hatch circuit with his family, George wanted his challenge to take place there.
Tom Chilton said: “All three of our boys are avid watchers of Blue Peter, and were left inspired having heard about Red Nose Day through the programme. George saw the idea of doing something to help raise money and asked whether he could cycle around Brands Hatch. We set a target of £100, and so we simply cannot believe that it’s shot up to over £1,900 – it’s incredible, and we’re so grateful to everyone who has been able to support him.
“For people who aren’t familiar with the Brands Hatch circuit, it is actually very hilly in parts, and has some quite steep inclines. I was jogging next to him for the whole run, and I remember we got to the final corner, and he was just so tired. But he was willed on seeing his mommy and brothers on the finish line, cheering him on."
Tom added: “I’ve been lucky to take on so many different circuits in my time, but I think Brands Hatch circuit will always have that added level of sentimental value now, knowing that it was where George took on his challenge. My partner and I are so proud of all of our boys. This is the first time any of them have done a charity fundraising challenge, and they’re already thinking bigger for next year – whether that’s a different circuit, or another challenge altogether. Who knows? Ultimately, we’ll just try and support them however we can, especially given it’s for such a good cause in Red Nose Day."
George said: “I saw Red Nose Day on Blue Peter and asked my mommy and daddy straight away if I could ride my bike around the racetrack because I wanted to raise money for other children who need help."
Money raised by Red Nose Day will help people in the UK and around the world live free from poverty, violence and discrimination, and support people with their mental health. Donations will also help to fund organisations providing essential support for people in Ukraine affected by the terrifying conflict and those attempting to cross the border to safety.
Samir Patel, Chief Executive of Comic Relief, says: “What’s so special about Red Nose Day is that it brings people from all over the UK together to make a big difference. We are so thankful for the incredible support from our fundraisers because whatever you do, big or small, helps people live free from poverty, violence and discrimination.
“This includes funding organisations that are supporting people right now in Ukraine, and on the borders. So whether you buy a Red Nose, bake cakes, smash a challenge or simply pick up the phone to donate, you have the power to change lives across the world and in the UK."
For more information about Red Nose Day, visit comicrelief.com/rednoseday.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Antonia Paget or media@comicrelief.com(opens in new window)
Email: a.paget@comicrelief.com(opens in new window)
Telephone number: 07981 923879
Out of hours 07984 510 473
www.comicrelief.com/media-centre(opens in new window)
About Comic Relief
Comic Relief raises money to support people living incredibly tough lives in the UK and around the world. Through humour and stories of hope, we have shown that people can make a massive difference.
Comic Relief believes that those who are closest to the issues have the best solutions, and so works with organisations and people with direct experience of these challenges. We fund hundreds of amazing organisations who support the most vulnerable people and communities in society.
This includes vulnerable children and young people, people who are homeless or who have been forced to flee their homes, women and families at risk of domestic abuse and those struggling with mental health problems.
For information about Comic Relief and the work it carries out, please visit www.comicrelief.com(opens in new window)
Comic Relief, which is the operating name of Charity Projects, is a registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland)
About Red Nose Day 2022
Red Nose Day is back on Friday 18th March 2022 and hopes to inspire people across the UK to make a difference, no matter how big or small. This Red Nose Day, we want to remind people that they have the power to change lives.
Money raised by Red Nose Day will help people in the UK and around the world live free from poverty, violence and discrimination, and support people with their mental health. This includes funding organisations that are supporting people right now in Ukraine, and those attempting to cross the border.
Visit https://www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday/ or follow @ComicRelief on social media for the latest Red Nose Day content, news and information.
Red Nose Day is an annual fundraising campaign run by Comic Relief.
