Children in Need appeal: Your comments

The BBC's annual Children in Need appeal has raised more than £15m.

Since starting in 1980, the event has raised more than £325 million to improve the lives of underprivileged British children.

A variety of fundraising activities took place around the UK culminating in Friday's show on BBC 1 hosted by Terry Wogan, Gaby Roslin and the fund's mascot, Pudsey Bear.

Did you take part in any fundraising activities for Children in Need? We would also like to see your photos which should be sent to [e-mail]

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This debate is now closed. The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received:

Ads like those from Barnardos (babies with syringes, meths bottles and cockroaches in their mouths) or raise £15 million in a night and having fun at the same time? You makes your choice and you pays your money.
sally, England

Every year the amount of money raised increases and yet there never seems to be a shortage of good causes crying out for funding. Isn't it about time the millions of pounds were spent tackling the root cause e.g unwanted pregnancies, irresponsible and unfit parents and poverty in one of the world's richest countries?
Steve, England

I think the Children In Need Event is something us Brits should be very proud of. So many people come together and do silly things just to help underpriviledged children. And 26 million pounds is a sum we should be very proud to give.
Alison, UK

A lot of us dressed up in stupid costumes and basically I think we terrified people so much by our appearance that they gave us money Yvonne E Healan, United Kingdom

I work for B&Q in pontprennau Cardiff and for children in need a lot of us dressed up in stupid costumes and basically I think we terrified people so much by our appearance that they gave us money, thanks to all the customers who paid to park their car and those who paid to have their cars washed...... thanks to all my colleagues who made it a day to remember.
Yvonne E Healan, United Kingdom

I think Children in Need is a fantastic appeal. My friends and I put loads of posters around our school, we had a huge musical chairs on our school field for the teachers and pupils their was over 1300 participants, it was sponsored but I'm not sure how much money we raised we left that up to the teachers. It was a fantastic way to raise money and it was great fun. Lauren UK
Lauren Soane 14, UK

It always amazes me how the "reserved" Brits will make absolute idiots of themselves for a good cause. I can only conclude that there are a huge number of closet exhibitionists out there and that the Brits are incredibly caring and generous people.
Msmo, London

Good on everyone for supporting this charity, however I do object to our main public TV station being taken over for an evening and parts of the week before. I'm happy to donate, but please don't ram it down my throat. I know I have the option to change channels.
Caron, England

If 12 million people watched Children in Need and £15m was raised, that's an average of just over £1 per viewer. And there must have been others like me who contributed but did not watch. In summary, what a selfish, tight lot of punters there are in this country. I'm alright, Jack.
Colin Armorgie, England

My friend and I are the only girls in an all boys' school (Sixth form). For Children in Need, we did a sponsored silence and got all the boys to sponsor us, on top of that, anyone who tried to break our silence, was fined a pound. We made some healthy money for the kids.
Chase, Britain

I work for B&Q in Cardiff and for children in need a lot of us dressed up in stupid costumes and basically I think we terrified people so much by our appearance that they gave us money. Thanks to all the customers who paid to park their car and have their cars washed. Many thanks to all my colleagues who made it a day to remember.
Yvonne, UK

Two of my friends and I set ourselves a challenge of getting to every station on the Tube within 24 hours Lloyd Evans, UK

In the last event 2 years ago, two of my friends and I set ourselves a challenge of getting to every station on the Tube within 24 hours. We nearly made it (got to 250 out of the 272 stations), raised over £2000 and got ourselves on London TV in the process. I really want to see someone try this again and succeed this time.
Lloyd Evans, UK

Haxey CE Primary School children were keeping fit today by skipping and they raised £144. 61 for Children in Need.
Haxey Church of England Primary School, Haxey, South Yorks, England

Banff Primary School held a special Pudsey Day today and are pleased to be able to send you the sum of £1540.69 for the appeal. G Galloway Head Teacher
Graham Galloway, Scotland

By holding a perfume raffle, tombola, and cooking breakfast for the company we have managed to raise £665.00 for Children In Need. Good luck to Terry and Co for tonight's fund raising
THE ADVANCE GROUP, Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Cega at Goodwood are holding a mad, bad hair day and hope to raise over £100
Cega Air Ambulance, England

Where I work I have had my hair shaved off others have had their legs waxed and their hair dyed we are doing raffles all for children in need.
Kevin, Berkshire, England

I think Joan, USA has misunderstood Children in Need. We are not 'Having a fun time for the sake of children who are suffering' We are raising money to help these children. Since its inception Children in Need has always inspired people to raise money by doing daft and fun things. We would give the money to help the children anyhow. Is it that wrong to have a little fun whilst doing it?
Eileen, UK

The whole school have participated in a non uniform day donating one pound each as well as the 6th form taking part in a 12 hour fast and collecting sponsors for doing so.
Kelly, Northern Ireland

Essex Libraries HQ is having a coffee morning and we have two large draws (One for Pudsey toys) drawn by Alison Hartley of BBC Essex. We also have a sponsored leg wax of one of our guys. We have had a 'Pudsey wants your pennies' bottle running all year since the last event which has already brought in quite a bit.
Richard, Chelmsford, UK

My mother has raised over £450 by having a coffee morning, quiz night and quiz sheets. The people of South and East Norfolk have given very generously indeed!!
Matthew Wassell, England

We have had our own "slim-a-thon" Ceri, UK

We have had our own "slim-a-thon" and raised 250.00 by losing 5 stone between 6 of us in 10 weeks!
Ceri, UK

I'm 12 and I am doing a sponsored silence all day. So far I have raised £103!
Krysztie Zakrzewski, UK

We love helping 4 children in need! Our school are having a bring and buy sale and we are making our own competition! Last year our school raised over £8,000. We hope that this year we will beat that record!
Helen + Bessie, England

While our Men are away in Iraq with the Army the wives have held events, Families Office Staff (Male) had their legs waxed, How many wives we could get in a landrover, 5 a side football for wives and children, fancy dress party.
Debbie Fleming, Germany

I am going to school in my bed clothes and I think without children in need more children would be dead. So I think children in need is really making a difference to people less fortunate than be
Lauren, England

We're baking buns and biscuits all week and also doing it as part of Maths and Literacy Homework! On Friday we're running Pudsey's Bun Shop selling to all the school at 10p. per bun!
Year 6 Royston Summer Fields Primary School Barnsley, England

Admin staff at Thanet Mental Health Unit in Margate will be dressing up to raise money we are also holding a raffle, Name the Baby quiz, filling Pudsey's tummy with £1 coins. We hope that all the staff will support us.
Freda Woodruff, England

Every year my Mum bakes loads of cookies and Pudsey bear biscuits which I sell and work Dawn Hereford, UK

Every year my Mum bakes loads of cookies and Pudsey bear biscuits which I sell and work. Mum donates all the ingredients, making and baking which means Children in Need get all the money.
Dawn Hereford, UK

I fail to see how dressing up in pyjamas or other stunts is good for Children in Need. Having a fun time for the sake of children who are suffering is almost like celebrating about their plight. It is in very poor taste and I'm shocked that it takes such things to make Brits reach into their wallets to help others.
Joan, USA

I was interested to see Joan of the USA's comments about Children in Need. Generally speaking I'd have some sympathy with her view - we should just give - straight faced and dutifully. I watched the TV show on the night, though, enjoyed bits of it - and stuck my hand in my pocket. Not a lot - but, like the contributions of many others, helped raise that total to a new record. I'd be interested to know what would get Joan to contribute.
Eamonn Walsh, UK

Today 20/11/03 the pupils of Kincardine in Menteith Primary School, Blair Drummond, Stirling (all 33!)raised a wonderful £87 from their Unhealthy Tuck Shop for Children in Need.
Kincardine-in -Menteith Primary School, Scotland

At URS in Bedford we have a "Children in Need Pot" going round the office, donations from all the staff are filling it up.
Vicky Peebles, England

Children aged 3 - 11 took part in a bob-a-job style fund raising event. We have raised £290.73 so far!
Heathfield School, Rishworth, England

I think that children in need is the best thing that has happened and I'm going to support it by giving £500.
Mrs Havlin, co. Londonderry

Me and my two friends are standing on blocks for 6.5 hours, in a David Blaine style.
Ben Humphris, England

The under 2s in our baby room will be doing a sponsored baby bounce Wolverhampton College Nursery Bilston Campus, UK

The under 2s in our baby room will be doing a sponsored baby bounce. The 2-5 year old are dressing up in fancy dress for the day this all takes place on 21st November.
Wolverhampton College Nursery Bilston Campus, UK

I am a German teacher in my secondary school and I made everyone give 5pence for each piece of vocab that they got wrong.
Gera Wulsch, UK

It is really nice to see what all people do in the UK to help children. Unfortunately that is not so in the rest of the world. Do take Guatemala, the country where I am working as a medical helper and this for many years. We had to go to Europe to raise de medical material, all now in order to have a clinic especially for children.

Thais will be the first in its kind here, where children, also with diabetes, with hepatitis C, MS and much more diseases, will be treated for an absolute minimum of funds, just 50 Pence for the whole treatment. That is what we try to do. Without support from the local government, just helping colleagues and friends from all over Europe. Thanks to all of them.
Dr. Florent Bogaerts, Albert Schweitzer Society International an UTA/BDPF organization, Guatemala

Hi, I'm Jamie and I'm 10 years old. Our school is encouraging everyone to come to school in their pyjamas for Children in Need - including the teachers. Should be interesting!
Jamie, UK

I'm going to get sponsored to wear a suit to my school for the whole day Friday. Many people have agreed to sponsor me already!
Andrew Hansford, UK

I am being sponsored to wear my American civil war uniform for the whole of my working shift at the John Lewis warehouse in Stevenage. This means that where ever I go and what ever I do on Friday it will be in my American Civil war uniform.
Steve Bailey, England

Cambridge Dancers Club will be holding a 24 hour sponsored dance Kadia, Cambridge, UK

Cambridge Dancers Club will be holding a 24 hour sponsored dance this Friday. We're having 24 hours of classes and workshops in different dance styles, from ballroom to hip hop. Everyone that attends is asked to either make a donation or get sponsored per hour. Should be fun!
Kadia, Cambridge, UK

A group of friends and I are dressing up as school girl tarts! Well it's for a GREAT cause!
Becci Plowman, The Netherlands

Becci, Netherlands....Where are you going to be? A sizable donation if I meet up with you!
Andrew Carter, UK

Information, Technology and Communication Services of Dudley MBC have produced a calendar of 11 male topless employees. Paper, envelopes and printing have been supplied free from our suppliers and this afternoon - since 2pm we have sold over 100 copies!
Sam Atkinson, Dudley, West Midlands

Friday will see lots happening within my company with an aim to raise lots of cash and top last years total, with a sparkle day, Head wobbler competition and guess the baby! Along with many other quizzes and bargain purchases!! Good Luck to everyone with their ideas!!
Clare Asprey, Cheshire, England

I used my trombone to raise money in an unorthodox fashion - I invited the audience to drop coins and notes into the music end, and then played a note and blew them all into a sack. A huge cheer went up, we made £37, and I played the theme from The Bill to celebrate (the audience were all coppers)!
Victor Scrivener, UK

The Geocachers in this country currently have a mobile 'Fox' that started out last Friday, touring most of England, Wales and Scotland picking up donations from any 'Hounds' that can track it down. The 'Fox', driven by Mark 'The Cat' Thompson, despite one breakdown, is soldiering on, pursued by an army of GPS-wielding Geocachers. Hi-tech endurance!
Andy H, Lacock, England

Form 6G have already raised £8, the foul-mouthed little angels! Milly Gallone, UK

I'm a lady teacher, and I've put a swear jar on my desk. Form 6G have already raised £8, the foul-mouthed little angels!
Milly Gallone, UK

I'm in Mrs. Gallone's class (see below) and I must say, she's a %*!£@$ clever teacher. And this post has made another 10p!
Paul Parker, UK

Children between the ages of 7-11, took part in a sponsored walk around the school playing fields on 15/11 and raised £120
Fordham Congregational Church (Youth Club), England

I have started a new job and have convinced the CEO of the company to match any monies raised. We are having a dress down day in the office on Friday - BRING IT ON!
Nicki Broughton, Northamptonshire UK

Everyone at my work will be wearing silly ties and donating some money for the privilege.
David Hilton, Hudds, UK

Sponsored Doughnut-Eating Competition. I'm set to collect over £100 for every one I eat...
John, England

This is the seventh year we have had a cake sale and raffle at the War Graves Commission to raise funds for Children in Need. It's a brilliant day with everyone on a sugar high and people trying to get in early to get the favourites. We have also decided that the calorie value doesn't count for such a great charity! We hope to raise even more than last year's £270.
Mary Connor, United Kingdom

I work in a call centre on the phones and I'm doing a sponsored silence!
Derek Dignen, Sunderland

My school is holding a sponsored silence for the day! Adria Gardiner, Winchester, England

Hello my name is Adria and I am 7 years old. My school is holding a sponsored silence for the day! Last year we got more than 40 pounds! Shhhh!
Adria Gardiner, Winchester, England

I have organised a guess the baby photo competition. It's raising money and giving us all a well deserved laugh!!!
Claire, Wrexham, Wales

I'm going to ask people at NPR why we don't have a similar annual appeal in the States.
Ryan T. Mahon, Washington, DC

I'm enlivening our departmental meeting on Thursday with chocolate cake and cheese straws (a great combination!). All proceeds to Children in Need.
Shirley Collier, England

My husband and I will be holding a sale in our community of cakes that i have baked myself, and drinks which I left my husband in charge of. All of the dosh raised by this event will go to BBC children in need. I will also enjoy the event as I love baking - especially chocolate. I would like to encourage others to do similar things!
Josephine Miller, UK, London

My wife and I will be holding a bake sale in our small local community Michael Miller, England

My wife and I will be holding a bake sale in our small local community. I am in charge of refreshments and Jo, my wife, is making a very big chocolate cake! All proceeds go to charity. I am 79 and Children in Need is one of the highlights of my year! Feel free to come along!
Michael Miller, England

38th derby rainbows are making Pudsey Bear cookies and selling them
Carol Mee, England

I created a cake with a model of Pudsey on top of bricks modelled out of icing, which has been raffled at Crumpsall Lane Primary School in Manchester. They have raised in excess of £120 so far.
Colin Jolliffe, UK

I've given my prize money from work to Children in need... A very worthy cause
Ben Holt, UK

Being the top poster of an Internet forum, I've decided to donate 10p for every message and 20p for every complaint I post! Nearing £10 already! Good luck to you all with fundraising!
Khyle Westmoreland, Nottingham, UK

Washing staff cars for a donation! Kirsty, Leeds, UK

Friday sees 6 poor souls stood outside our office building (probably in the rain knowing Yorkshire weather!) washing staff cars for a donation! Last year we managed just short of 60, let's hope for more this year...
Kirsty, Leeds, UK

I'm putting some money in the collection box and going to France for the weekend so I don't have to watch Terry Wogan!
Geoff, UK

I will be working on Friday night, in a pub, watching grown men cry as they are all being waxed for Children in Need. Other than my personal donations I will be helping to support these brave lads with plenty to drink !!!!!
Amy, UK

I am wearing a jester hat, my slippers and big socks.
I am also going to bake some biscuits to sell.
I am 7.
Andrew, England

My cubs held a sponsored silence last week and raised over £50.This Friday we are holding a fair for the villagers to spend their money for Children in Need.
Liz Hooker, UK

I am looking forward to this Friday Marc Bowker, UK

Boots HO are turning their customer service call centre into a Children in Need centre. After doing the same for Comic Relief earlier in the year, I am looking forward to this Friday very much!
Marc Bowker, UK

Like Marc I'll be joining other volunteers on the Boots call centre on Friday night. I also took part in the Comic Relief call centre last year and I have to say it was one of the best nights of the year, lots of fun, laughter and more importantly, donations. Let's hope this Friday brings the same!
Hannah, Nottingham

Dressing up as Kim and Aggie to do "How clean is your office?" cleaning computer screens and selling cakes.
Ian, England

The Planning Department, Portsmouth City Council are taking it easy on Friday by wearing their slippers to the office!
Jennie Pateman, England

In our I.T. department, we are planning to hold a sponsored marathon internet-surfing session. We hope to raise many hundreds of pounds.
Stewart, UK

As a school (Waingels Copse School in Woodley, Reading) we had a slave auction. Various people in the sixth form were auctioned off to other members of the sixth form. On Friday they will be slaves for the full school day!!! We have raised £555 in total from this.
Hayley Soper, England

Dressing up as a different fish every day for a week and going to work. Hope to get plenty of cash from everyone.
Grant Bullock, Teeside, UK