BBC weather presenter Owain Wyn Evans has raised £3,062,418 as part of a 24-hour ‘drumathon’ challenge for Children In Need.
As part of the ‘drumathon’ challenge, which started on Friday morning during the BBC Breakfast show, the weather presenter drummed non-stop for 24 hours throughout the day and night to raise funds for the children’s charity.
The entire challenge was live-streamed on BBC iPlayer, with his main stage area based at the BBC Philharmonic Studio at dock10 studios in MediaCity, based in Salford.
The challenge featured a special ‘Big Bang’ moment on Friday evening with a performance of the BBC News theme with the weather presenter joined by an ensemble of 50 drummers including stars such as percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie and Pulp’s Nick Banks.
Throughout the 24 hour challenge, he was also joined virtually by a host of celebrity guests including Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain and Blondie’s drummer Clem Burke.
Speaking after the BBC Breakfast 24-hour Drumathon on Saturday morning he said: “I’m feeling overwhelmed, people have been so generous. I can’t believe it’s over, surprisingly my hands have held up ok but we’ve had some problems with my arms because they’ve been moving for 24 hours! Thank you so much to everyone who has donated, BBC Children in Need helps causes which are really close to my heart.”