Pudsey gets down to business at Canary Wharf fundraiser

Pudsey the Bear. Pic: Jacqui Algate

Pudsey the Bear. Pic: Jacqui Algate

A familiar furry face was amidst the usual blur of business people at Canary Wharf today.

Pudsey’s Pop-up Programme brought a range of free entertainment and children’s activities to the complex in order to raise money for the BBC’s Children in Need campaign.

Fundraisers were out in force, with mascot Pudsey bear in tow, to get people ready for the annual appeal show this evening.

National singing group, Rock Choir, was one of the acts to perform at the event.

Christine Toogood, a member of the choir, said: “I really enjoy singing and it’s just great to give something back.”

The day also offered open dance lessons with former Strictly Come Dancing professional, Andrew Cuerden, for any member of the public that was game and a performance from young people’s theatre company Haringey Shed.

Children and adults alike took the opportunity to meet Pudsey before he headed over to the BBC studios.

Mary Devereux, a member of the Greater London Authority fundraising throughout the day, said: “The reason why you have to bring [Children in Need] into the local community is to get as much money as you possibly can, because that’s what it’s all about at the end of the day.”

“I think it’s so important because of the absolute name in itself. There are children in need and we’re trying to reach people who really, really need that help.”

Children in Need has raised more than £740 million since its first radio broadcast in 1927. Its annual television appeal show will be from 7.30pm this evening on BBC One.

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