David Cassidy on the Web
Scotland's big giver Hunter pledges £1m to Children in Need
Saturday, November 18, 2006
performed I Think I Love You and then collected donations in a bucketwww.news.scotsman.com
SCOTLAND'S most generous philanthropist, Sir Tom Hunter, last night pledged a record £1 million to the BBC's Children in Need appeal.
The Hunter Foundation donated the money before BBC Scotland had even kicked off its part of the UK-wide televised fund-raising event.
Last night, Sir Tom, who founded the philanthropic organisation with his wife Marion, said that he hoped the money would contribute to a hoped-for total of £2 million raised north of the Border by the end of the seven-hour telethon.
Sir Tom, who made his money from the Sports Division store chain, said he was "delighted to be able to do some good".
He said: "It's a privilege to be playing a small part in helping the most disadvantaged kids with such a fantastic organisation.
"If we all give just a little, we can achieve a hell of a lot. Our foundation is all about helping kids."
The father-of-three added: "We are happy to be partners of Children in Need, we've been doing this for 20 odd years now and we are delighted to be able to do some good.
"We also work with Cash for Kids Appeal, which helps Scottish children, but this £1m appeal is for children all over the UK."
The Hunter Foundation's ethos is that every child deserves the right to exceptional health, vibrant education and real career opportunities, and fits with Children in Need.
Last night's live seven-hour BBC One show kicked off at 7pm with a performance from boy band McFly.
Hosted by Sir Terry Wogan, Natasha Kaplinsky and Fearne Cotton, the programme included musical performances from the likes of Emma Bunton, Girls Aloud and Take That.
Connie Fisher, winner of the BBC's How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, gave a special performance.
Fresh from the West End, the 23-year-old performed Doe, A Deer with the cast.
David Cassidy, the 1970s heart throb, performed I Think I Love You and then collected donations in a bucket, giving an audience member a kiss in return for a donation.
Also appearing were BBC's newsreaders and actors from Holby City, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks.
By 10pm, the total had soared to £7,105,484 - slightly up on the same time last year.
BBC Radio 2 listeners raised more than £2 million in the run-up to the event, outstripping last year's total of £1,066,000.
The grand total was raised through the station's auction of "items that money can't buy", a "music marathon" and the sales of the Janet and John CD, which was produced by Sir Terry Wogan's listeners - the TOGS (Terry's Old Geezers and Gals).
Sir Terry said: "Every year I'm astounded by the generosity of the British public, but this year, even before I start at 7pm on BBC One, Radio 2 listeners have excelled themselves beyond my highest expectations, raising over £2 million - it's amazing!"
The star's on-air auction on Radio 2 has raised £512,450 for Children in Need in the space of four days.
Bidding peaked on Wednesday, when one listener pledged £47,000 to travel to Finland and see the Eurovision 2007 song contest filmed with Sir Terry.
A rock fan bid £20,000 to fly with Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson and Pink Floyd's Nick Mason to the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.
A fan of Sir Elton John bid £32,000 to watch the legend play a special 60th birthday concert in New York.
A Doctor Who fan paid £25,000 for the chance to meet time lord David Tennant and his new assistant Martha Jones.
