Sport Relief 2010

In 1985 Band Aid saw musicians from around the World working as one to raise money for the people of Ethiopia. As that nation's people starved, the World had looked on helpless. Bob Geldof was moved to try and create one of the most unique fund raising events ever.

In the UK Band Aid was followed by Comic Relief and then Sport Relief both of which are now annual events.

The weekend of 19th March 2010 will be this year's Sport Relief.

However various celebrities and people have already begun fund raising in earnest.

The One Show

The One Show is aired on the BBC each weekday night at 7pm. It is a light hearted type of current events show. There are celebrity guests and it is easy entertainment. The shows hosts are Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley.

Christine has already completed her Sport Relief challengge. Over the last few weeks we have seen her preparing for the challenge which everyone that that she wouyld never complete.

Slender Christine, who until recently could not swim at all was going to water ski across the English Channel to France. Yes you read that right. Across the channel on water skis.

Christine's coach was certain that she would fail. He was positive she did not have the stamina or physique. Last week the date of her water-skiing attempt was changed due to bad weather. Eventually it was set for Friday 12th March 2010.

Well the good news is she made it.

Her journey took around one hour and forty minutes. The One Show on Wednesday 17th March 2010 has revealed that already Christine's effort has raised over £788,000 for Sport Relief.

Sponsorship has been by texting from a cell phone to a dedicated number. This text call gives £5 to Sport Relief.

Not to be left out in the cold co presenter Adrian Chiles is also raising money for Sport Relief. His challenge? Adrian will let Christine shave his beard off in Friday's One Show with all proceeds going to charity. His beard has received much press coverage but is not so long established that it will cause him sever hardship.

That is unless Christine's razor slips.

The BT Sport Relief Million Pound Bike Ride

In the past David Walliams, best known for Little Britain, swam the English Channel to raise funds for Sport relief. He has also swum the Straits of Gibraltar for this charity. This year he is joining a host of celebrities who are cycling the length of Great Britain, from John O Groats in Scotland, to Land's End in Cornwall.

Those taking part are:-

• David Walliams

• Jimmy Carr

• Fearne Cotton

• Miranda Heart

• Patrick Kielty

• Davina McCall

• Russell Howard

This is what the cycle team say is their target for 2010's Sport Relief:-

The team want to raise £1 million to help people living unimaginably tough lives in the UK and internationally.

The journey covers a 1,000 miles which is no mean feat.

In truth the seven celebrities have already completed this fund raising challenge. Their journey will be shown on BBC 1 on Thursday 18th March 2010 at 9pm, just prior to Sport Relief weekend.

The main Sport Relief fund raising show kicks off on Friday 19th March on BBC 1 at 7.00pm.

The Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile

Sainsbury's is a supermarket chain in the UK.

The Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile is due to take place on Sunday 21st March 2010. It is still possible to enter you need to hurry. There are a few different events and those who are not used to such races can opt for just one mile. Sponsorship is the key so last minute entrants will need to get busy. However there is nothing to stop anyone taking part.

There are rewards for those participants who reach certain fund raising milestones.

Finally

I know it can be hard finding money to donate to charity but every little will help. If you cannot give money perhaps you can give a little time and help raise money from sponsorship. Hula Hooping, dressing up, walking, dancing or what you will could all attract sponsorship.

There is still time to join in but be quick. Have fun and raise money

Update 20th March 2010:-

"More than £29m has been raised for global causes by celebrities and the public taking part in the BBC's Sport Relief charity event"

As at the end of Sport Relief 2010 weekend, the total amount of money raised was £31,633,091, although I imagine still more money will filter through.

Great stuff indeed.