Vernon Kay Commends Bolton Youth Project Supported by BBC Children In Need

BBC broadcaster Vernon Kay described his visit to a youth project in his native town as “truly special,” observing the positive impact of BBC Children In Need on young individuals there. In anticipation of the charity’s appeal show next week, the BBC Radio 2 presenter visited Be The Change, an organization in Bolton that provides young people with a venue to socialize and engage in art and sport sessions. This organization has received a grant of £60,000 from BBC Children In Need over three years to deliver its youth club services. Kay, who helped raise £6 million for the charity last year through his Ultramarathon challenge, stated that the project has made a “massive difference” to young people within the community. The 50-year-old remarked: “I always love being back in Bolton, but this visit was truly special.” He continued: “I had never quite realised how many projects BBC Children In Need fund until I took on my ultra ultra marathon challenge for Radio 2 last year, and being able to visit one of those in my home town doing such impactful work that makes a massive difference to young people in the community was really special.” “Meeting with the young people and chatting with them I could really see why they love going there.” He further added: “I did take part in a little bit of their football session too, and I was impressed to hear that a lot of them were [Bolton] Wanderers fans.” Kay also met Daniel Sukula, the project’s founder, a refugee who grew up in Bolton with the ambition to create an initiative that would secure a better future for the area’s youth. Mr. Sukula commented: “It was great to have Vernon come and visit us and share a bit about what we do here with him.” “I think he was really impressed, and the young people were excited to be able to chat with him.” “At Be The Change we offer huge support to children from across Bolton, when lots of youth services have been cut.” “We are able to give them a safe space to come and socialise and we also encourage our young people to get involved with community initiatives. Coming here can be life changing for them.” Kay is scheduled to co-present this year’s BBC Children In Need show, starting at 19:00 GMT on 15 November, alongside Paralympian Ade Adepitan, comedian Mel Giedroyc, former Saturdays star Rochelle Humes, comedian Chris Ramsey, and actor Lenny Rush. Last year, Kay described the “knee-ruining” run from Leicester’s Victoria Park to Bolton Wanderers’ football stadium as “one of the toughest things [he’d] ever done,” expressing that he was “thrilled” to be joining the audience “from the comfort of MediaCity this time.” He concluded: “Children in Need is such a special charity, changing lives in the most amazing ways, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this year’s big night.” For additional content, listeners can find the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and connect with BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story proposals may also be sent to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and through Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Details regarding their external linking policy are available.