Comic Relief 2009 - ‘positive change through the power of entertainment’
Friday 13th March 2009, sees the return of Comic Relief to the BBC.
The money raised will help projects in both the UK and Africa.
There are many big projects underway the most publicised probably being the 5 day climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, in Africa. Nine celebrities accomplished the climb, Gary Barlow (Singer), Chris Moyles (Radio Presenter), Ronan Keating (Singer), Cheryl Cole (Singer), Kimberly Walsh (Singer), Fearne Cotton (Presenter), Ben Shepard (Presenter) , Denise van Outen (Presenter) and Alesha Dixon (Singer).
The mountain stands at 19,340ft above sea level, the gruelling climb was Take That’s Gary Barlow’s idea, it has been reported that he has been suffering with excruciating back pain and had to take complete rest for two weeks before setting off to Africa.
Gary has battled on and all of the celebrities made it to the Uhuru Peak on volcano kibo on Saturday. They took the Machame route which is slightly more difficult than the ‘easy’ route called Marangu.
Due to the mountain’s equatorial location as well as its high elevation, climbers can experience almost every climate type on earth during their climb to the top. It is also known to many for its year round snow-topped summit. The snow is slowly disappearing which scientists believe is due to global warming.
Radio one is encouraging listeners to text in and has raised thousands and it increases everyday. Details of how you can donate are on both the Radio One and Comic Relief websites. The money raised from the climb will be split with 40% going to the UK and 60% going to Africa.
In Africa they plan to use the money to fight malaria which kills a child in Africa every 30 seconds. Simple measures such as mosquito nets will save lives.
All 9 of the celebrity climbers reached the top, it is an amazing achievement for them on a personal level but it is also great for the charity. The celebrities arrived back to the UK today (10th March 09).
British Telecom is covering the cost of the climb. To help raise cash five of the celebrity climbers have taken over the speaking clock. When callers dial 123 they will be given an accurate time check by either Cheryl, Kimberley, Gary, Chris or Fearne. Each has re-branded the pips with their own comical versions – ranging from raspberries to piano chords or blowing kisses.
The climb which has raise over £1.5 million will be shown in an hour special on BBC 1 on Thursday 12th March 09 from 8pm.
Tags: Celebrities, Charity, Comic Relief, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mountain Climbing
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