Tag: Lorraine Kelly

Lorraine Kelly returns for “extra special” STV Children’s Appeal fundraising show

  • The STV Children’s Appeal 2021 will air on STV at 8:30pm on Friday 29 October
  • Lorraine hosts from performing arts charity CentreStage’s new Kilmarnock HQ
  • The Appeal – which is celebrating its 10th birthday – supports the 1 in 4 children affected by poverty in Scotland

The STV Children’s Appeal has announced that its annual TV fundraising event will return for 2021 on Friday (29 October), with long-term host Lorraine Kelly back at the helm as the charity appeal celebrates its tenth birthday.

Viewers can expect The STV Children’s Appeal 2021 to look a little different from previous shows as, for the first time, it will be hosted at Kilmarnock-based performing arts academy CentreStage – a charity with a close, enduring relationship with the Appeal.

CentreStage’s recent move to new headquarters on the site of the former Kilmarnock Academy “wouldn’t have happened” without the support of the STV Children’s Appeal, according to the charity’s founder, Fiona McKenzie.

Friday’s show will see Lorraine meeting some of the many people who benefit from CentreStage’s activities and discovering why it has proven a lifeline for the local community. The show will also feature a rousing live performance from the 60-strong CentreStage Choir, made up of local people from all backgrounds, circumstances and abilities.

Elsewhere, The STV Children’s Appeal 2021 will put the spotlight on some of the community heroes up and down the country who have raised thousands for the Appeal in its tenth year – with one young musical duo set to receive a huge surprise from Simon Cowell in response to their impressive fundraising work.

BBC Radio 1’s Jordan North will take part in a special edition of Celebrity Catchphrase, while First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also chats to Lorraine about the importance of the Appeal and why she continues to be “delighted to support it”. 

STV is also set to air a one-off documentary tonight Tuesday 26 October focused on how the Covid pandemic has impacted youth mental health across Scotland. 

Where’s Your Head At? – presented by Andrea Brymer – will share the stories of young people who have been particularly affected by the mental health crisis. Earlier this year, the STV Children’s Appeal distributed £152,000 to charities supporting the mental wellbeing of Scotland’s young people.

Lorraine Kelly said: “This year’s STV Children’s Appeal show is going to be extra special, as we’re broadcasting direct from one of the amazing charities that the Appeal has supported over the last 10 years.

“Being in the heart of a community that really benefits from the unwavering generosity of the Scottish people year after year makes the show even more authentic, and reminds us all why the work of the Appeal to tackle child poverty continues to be so important 10 years on.”

Paul Mathieson, CentreStage CEO, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome the STV Children’s Appeal to CentreStage and to host this year’s show. Our long-standing relationship with the Appeal has allowed us to provide significant support and opportunities to so many children and families across our local communities.

“On behalf of the full team at CentreStage, I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved.”

The STV Children’s Appeal 2021 airs on STV at 8:30pm on Friday 29 October. Viewers can donate £10 to the STV Children’s Appeal by texting TEN to 70607 (standard network rates apply).

TEN-ACIOUS SPIRIT!

Stars mark STV Children’s Appeal’s 10th birthday by taking on variety of ten-themed challenges

  • Appeal announces 10XChallenge fundraiser – with Scots encouraged to take on their own challenge or event inspired by the number ‘10’
  • STV stars Sean Batty and Sophie Wallace joined by group of 10-year-olds to launch new fundraiser
  • STV marks a decade of its charity appeal, which has raised over £25 million and transformed the lives of thousands of children living in poverty

The STV Children’s Appeal is celebrating its 10th birthday this year and, to mark a decade of supporting young people affected by poverty in Scotland, an exciting new fundraiser – the 10XChallenge – has been launched today.

STV’s Sean Batty and Sophie Wallace were joined by a group of 10-year-olds for a joint birthday celebration and to announce the 10XChallenge, sponsored by Tunnock’s, which calls on the nation to take part in their own challenge or event inspired by the number ‘10’ over ten days (10-19 September).

Weatherman Sean has vowed to take on a 10K run as part of the new fundraiser, while STV News presenter Sophie will challenge herself to try out ten very different occupations.

The six children joining them today – l-r: Robbie Sawatzky, Jonah McGinnis, Maya Barcella, Sophia Barcella, Lily Stevenson and Sam Couper – are planning a variety of challenges, such as cycling ten laps of a local reservoir and reading ten books across the 10-day period.

World record-holding cyclist Mark Beaumont will run 10K accompanied by his eight-year-old daughter Harriet on her bike, whilst comedian Janey Godley will take part in a hilarious 10-day social media voiceover challenge.

The STV Children’s Appeal was launched in 2011 by STV and The Hunter Foundation to improve the lives of the one in four children who live in poverty in Scotland.

Through various fundraisers and an annual telethon hosted by long-time trustee Lorraine Kelly, the Appeal has since raised over £25 million, which has helped provide food and warm clothing, created opportunities for training and employability, and enabled social and emotional support across the country.

Sean Batty said: “Where have the last ten years gone? I’ve been involved with the STV Children’s Appeal right from the very start and I’m constantly humbled by the incredible stories of the lives it has helped turn around across the country.

“Child poverty is still a major issue in Scotland though, and the pandemic has only exacerbated it.

“I’m looking forward to slipping on my running shoes in September and joining the Appeal’s many generous supporters in doing our bit to change kids’ lives.”

Sophie Wallace said: “I was quite wee myself when the STV Children’s Appeal was first launched, and I’ve grown up watching the amazing work it does for children in communities throughout Scotland.

“The Appeal’s charity partners need our help now more than ever, and that’s why I’m super excited to be taking on my 10XChallenge and raising lots of cash for such an important cause. I hope you can join me!”

The STV Children’s Appeal’s 10XChallenge takes place between 10-19 September.

Visit stv.tv/appeal to sign up and download a 10XChallenge pack with tips and ideas for fundraising.

Pictures: Kirsty Anderson

STV Children’s Appeal launches new fundraising campaign focused on supporting mental health

The STV Children’s Appeal has launched a new fundraising campaign focused on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Scotland’s children and young people, following research that suggests the Covid-19 pandemic will have a damaging long-term impact on young minds. 
 
Glasgow-born Hollywood icon James McAvoy has joined other top Scottish talent – TV presenter Gail Porter, Booker Prize-winning author Douglas Stuart, comedian Janey Godley, Love Island star Laura Anderson and singer-songwriter Joesef – in recording video messages of support for the campaign. 
 
A lockdown survey* highlighted that 67% of young people believe the pandemic will be harmful to their mental health in the long-term. 
 
In response, the STV Children’s Appeal – which was first launched in 2011 – will today begin airing a new TV campaign voiced by long-time trustee Lorraine Kelly, which asks viewers to consider the impact of a year of lockdowns on youth mental health, and donate to support the recovery phase. 
 
The campaign highlights the particularly detrimental impact of the pandemic on the one in four children currently living in poverty in Scotland. Most lifelong mental illness begins in childhood and those living in deprivation are three times more likely to experience it, according to the British Medical Association. 
 
100% of the money raised will be quickly distributed by the STV Children’s Appeal to fund vital counselling sessions and peer support groups in communities right across Scotland. It will also support local projects which give children access to sports, art, music and other means of essential peer-to-peer connection, of which they might otherwise be deprived. 

Lorraine Kelly, STV Children’s Appeal Trustee, said: “It’s so important we help to raise funds and awareness of our children’s mental health. They’ve been through such a lot and we need to make sure they are looked after with kindness and compassion.  
 
“I’m always so inspired by the response of the Scottish public who are incredibly generous and I’m sure we will be able to make life so much better for all the children who need that extra support.” 
 
Jacqueline Cassidy, Director (Scotland) at children’s mental health charity and STV Children’s Appeal partner organisation Place2Be, said: “For some young people, this pandemic has been a nightmare. We are seeing increased levels of anxiety and emotional worry within the schools and wider communities in which we work.

“Our evidence shows when young people get the right support at the right time, their school performance improves and so do their life chances. And that stays with them as they grow.  
 
“Thanks to the STV Children’s Appeal, we have been able to provide specialist support for parents and carers in Glasgow, as well as training for youth workers across Scotland to build their skills and confidence in responding to the mental health needs of children and young people.

“We are hugely grateful for STV’s support which means we can reach many more young people across Scotland before it’s too late.” 
 
To donate £10 to the STV Children’s Appeal, text TEN to 70607 (standard network rates apply).

JOG FOR JUGS: Lorraine Kelly launches breast cancer campaign

Jog for Jugs, a new campaign aimed at raising awareness and money for breast cancer officially launches today (Saturday 10th April) in a bid to encourage men, women and non-binary individuals to check themselves so that cancers can be caught and treated early.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1380777723744899074

A star-studded, tongue-in-cheek, video to promote the campaign, introduced by the nation’s sweetheart, Lorraine Kelly and featuring other Scottish personalities including model Emma-Louise Connolly, actress Joanna Vanderham and presenter Lee McKenzie, has been released to mark the launch.

Inspired by her mum’s courageous response to her own breast cancer diagnosis last August, Dundonian, Becky Chapple hopes to encourage others to check themselves regularly and seek medical support straight away if anything feels abnormal.

Becky commented: “Throughout the pandemic, fewer and fewer people have been visiting the doctor when they find concerning changes to their boobs or pecs which is a real and worrying problem.

“Jog for Jugs is our small way of first and foremost encouraging everyone to check themselves, then jogging or walking 8km to raise vital funds for CoppaFeel!, a brilliant charity which raises awareness of breast cancer in young people and the importance of early detection.”

Jog for Jugs will be promoted across social media, with participants encouraged to jog or walk 8km, donate £8 to CoppaFeel!, check their boobs or pecs and nominate 8 friends to do the same by sharing a selfie of themselves with their hand on their chest and tagging their pals’ social handles.

The number ‘8’ symbolizes the devastating statistic that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

Becky added: “While we are, of course, hoping to raise some vital funds for CoppaFeel! the campaign is more about awareness than anything else.  

“We want people to know all of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and we specifically want to dispel the myth that if lumps are painful, they’re unlikely to be cancerous – any unusual changes are worth getting checked out.

“My family feel very fortunate that mum discovered her cancer early and we want to give everyone else the chance to do the same by spotting any changes in their boobs and seeking medical advice, regardless of lockdown.”

CoppaFeel! aims to ensure that all breast cancers are diagnosed at the earliest stage possible by educating people on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, encouraging them to check regularly and instilling the confidence to seek medical referral if they detect abnormalities.

Currently 5% of diagnosed cases are already at stage IV with breast cancer being the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women under 30 in the UK (181 new cases diagnosed and 12 deaths annually). CoppaFeel! is the third most recognized breast cancer charity amongst young people and those aware of CoppaFeel! are 58% more likely to check their boobs regularly than those not aware.

The charity’s recent research showing that a worrying 2 in 5 young people are avoiding contact with the NHS due to coronavirus, prove that normalising chest checking and empowering young people to speak to their doctors about any concerns has never been more important.

Katie from CoppaFeel!, commented, “We are thrilled to be supported by the Jog For Jugs campaign. The work that Becky and her friends in the team have put into this project is truly inspirational, and the awareness and funds it will raise in aid of CoppaFeel! will help us in our mission to stamp out the late detection of breast cancer. 

“The generous support of everyone involved will make a huge difference to our work in educating and empowering young people. After such a trying year, it is important now more than ever to spread awareness of the importance of getting to know your body, checking regularly and speaking to your GP if you notice any concerning changes.”

To donate to the Jog For Jugs Campaign please visit:

 https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jogforjugs 

and follow the journey on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

STV Children’s Appeal 2020 raises over £3.5 million

A grand total of £3,530,025 has been raised by the STV Children’s Appeal throughout 2020, bringing the total amount raised by the Appeal since its formation in 2011 to over £24 million.

A busy year of fundraising culminated in a successful telefundraiser broadcast on STV on Friday. The programme, hosted by Lorraine Kelly, saw stars including Andy Murray and KT Tunstall encouraging Scots to support the Appeal, which raises funds for vulnerable children and young people across Scotland.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also made a memorable appearance in this year’s show, starring in a specially-recorded sketch alongside comedian Janey Godley (download here), in which she delivered Godley’s iconic catchphrase “Frank, get the door!” for the first time.

The Scottish Government has again pledged to match fund £1 million towards the final total raised.

The STV Children’s Appeal has seen a wide range of “community heroes” from across Scotland helping to raise money this year, including:

·       91-year-old Jan Collins from Troon (picture attached), who raised £8,621 by completing 1,000 holes of golf in his garden

·       Inverness schoolboy Shaun Maclean (picture attached), 8, who ran 200 laps of his garden and raised £966

·       Gerry Long, a postman from Ardrossan, who cheered up local residents during the national lockdown in April by dressing up as a different fictional character each day to deliver mail – raising £450 in the process

Corporate supporters of the Appeal have included supermarket chain Lidl. Its customers and staff helped to raise £73,000 this year – bringing the total amount Lidl has raised for the Appeal to over £500,000.

Baroness Margaret Ford, Chair of the STV Children’s Appeal, said: “Once again, we are absolutely blown away by the incredible generosity of STV viewers – particularly at a time when donating may be harder to do than normal.

“Their support, along with that of our community heroes and corporate fundraisers, will make a real difference to the one in four children living in poverty throughout the country.

“These young people, who have felt the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic more than most, urgently need our help – and we’re committed to distributing the funds as quickly and efficiently as possible. On behalf of everyone at the STV Children’s Appeal, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every person who has supported us throughout this year.”  

Lorraine says ‘Well Done!’ to the Class of 2020

Edinburgh Napier honorary graduates and alumni create tribute videos

TV presenter and journalist Lorraine Kelly has sent a special message of congratulations to more than 2000 new Edinburgh Napier University graduates.

The six graduation ceremonies due to be held at the Usher Hall at the start of July were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, Lorraine and other proud honorary graduates and alumni of the University have created video messages to pay tribute to the Class of 2020 and highlight their achievements.

Lorraine, who started her career as a local newspaper reporter in East Kilbride before progressing to national television and fronting a series of programmes for ITV, received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from the University in 2018.

Two years earlier, Lorraine, who herself trained as a journalist at the then Napier College, was at the Usher Hall to see her daughter Rosie Smith graduate from the University with a BA (Hons) in journalism.

In her video, shared on the University’s social media platforms, Lorraine told the 2150 new graduates: “Congratulations to every single one of you.

“I will never forget my daughter’s graduation.  It was such a special day, and I am lucky enough to be an honorary graduate as well so I know what a big deal this is.

“You have worked so, so hard, and I am really proud of you, and I wish you all the very best for the future. Huge congratulations to the Edinburgh Napier University Class of 2020!”

Other well-known faces who will offer congratulations by video this week include chef Tom Kitchin, TV weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, former Disney executive Duncan Wardle and political journalist Brian Taylor.

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal at Edinburgh Napier, and University Chancellor David Eustace also appeared in a short film that looked at what it means to be an Edinburgh Napier graduate and a member of the University’s alumni community.

Professor Nolan told the graduating students: “Achieving your degree is fantastic for everybody at any time. To have done so under such particularly difficult and challenging circumstances makes it even more special.

“You will remain in my mind as a very special cohort – the cohort of 2020.”  

Lorraine is Queen of Scots!

On the week that the Hollywood blockbuster based on the life of Mary Queen of Scots hit the big screen, Scots have had their say on who they’d choose to be their Queen in 2019.

Lorraine Kelly, the Queen of daytime TV, could add another Kingdom to her roster, as Scots would choose her over anyone else to be their ruler – and in her first act, she has called for Scots to watch more Billy Connolly.

The ScotPulse survey was commissioned by Macdonald Hotels & Resorts to celebrate the release of the movie, ‘Mary Queen of Scots’, as well as the independent hotel group’s connection to the historic figure.

During her reign Mary was regularly entertained at Houstoun Manor House, which is now  the Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel. After she was executed, it is said that the Shairp family, who owned the property in the 16th century, locked the door to the room where she usually slept, stating that it should never be used again.

Now, the apartment serves as the hotel’s honeymoon suite, allowing the bride and groom to enjoy a luxurious stay in a historically significant setting.

Lorraine Kelly said: “How hilarious! My first act as queen would be that everyone has to watch at least five minutes of Billy Connolly every morning before they leave the house in order to be in a good mood and spread happiness.”

Lyn MacDonald, Group Marketing Director at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts said: “Lorraine Kelly is welcome to come and stay in the honeymoon suite any time. As the choice of Scottish people to be today’s Queen, I’m sure she’d enjoy retracing Mary’s steps.

“Film tourism is on the rise and we anticipate an increase in bookings because of the significant historical link to the hotel. We’ve seen the impact movies such as Harry Potter and James Bond have had on tourism in this country, and I believe the Mary Queen of Scots film will be a major driver of visits to Scotland.”

In a close-run race, Lorraine, the host of her self-named talk show on ITV who became a household name as co-host of GMTV in the early 90s, just pipped singer songwriter Annie Lennox to the crown.

While Lorraine was top for under 45s and female respondents, men would prefer to be ruled by actress and comedian Elaine C Smith and over 45s favoured the Eurythmics singer.

There was an east-west divide in the voting, with voters in the west of Scotland preferring Elaine C Smith while respondents from the other side of the M8 picked Lorraine. In the North, Annie Lennox was the clear winner.

Tennis coach Judy Murray, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (pictured above with the stars of the new film) and Olympic gold medallist Katherine Grainger were also popular choices of the more than 1,500 people who participated in the survey.

Built in the 16th century after the land was bought by local advocate Sir John Shairp, Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel is located in 22 acres of beautiful woodlands near Livingston, just west of Edinburgh.

The Manor House provides guests and visitors from home and abroad with a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s past. It is also one of the area’s top venues for weddings, events and business conferences.

In the film, ‘Mary Queen of Scots’, Saoirse Ronan plays the Queen herself as part of a star-studded cast in the period drama, which also features A-Listers Margot Robbie, David Tennant and Guy Pearce.

To find out more about how you can live like a Queen (or maybe a King? – Ed) with a stay at Macdonald Houstoun House, visit:

https://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/scotland/edinburgh/macdonald-houstoun-house

Join Lorraine for a Big Scottish Breakfast

Make a date with Lorraine:Friday 27 October

TV favourite Lorraine Kelly is urging schools, businesses and groups in Edinburgh to join in with the Big Scottish Breakfast, an STV Children’s Appeal fundraising event to support children and young people affected by poverty in Scotland. Continue reading Join Lorraine for a Big Scottish Breakfast

Lorraine puts on her walking shoes to support STV Children’s Appeal

stv-childrens-appeal_lorraine-kelly

TV favourite Lorraine Kelly is putting on her walking shoes in aid of the STV Children’s Appeal as she takes on the Kiltwalk event in Edinburgh on 18 September.

Lorraine, who is a trustee of the STV Children’s Appeal and has taken on many fundraising challenges for the charity in the past, will put on her tartan to join in Kiltwalk’s ‘Big Stroll’, a stunning 12 mile trek across the city, to raise money for children and young people affected by poverty in Scotland.

Lorraine’s challenge will be sponsored by Scotch Lamb PGI and ties in with an ongoing campaign by Quality Meat Scotland to raise the profile of how quick and easy it is to cook a tasty lamb meal.

Lorraine said: “The STV Children’s Appeal is very close to my heart and I’m always up for a challenge to raise funds for such a deserving cause. This year I will dig out my walking boots, along with some tartan of course, for Kiltwalk, which will help the fight against child poverty in Scotland. A big thanks to Scotch Lamb for supporting my challenge and the fantastic work of the STV Children’s Appeal.”

“We are proud to be supporting Lorraine and the STV Children’s Appeal,” said Carol McLaren, Head of Communications with Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). “The timing of the Kiltwalk coincides with our campaign to highlight how easy and quick Scotch Lamb is to cook – a perfect, nutritious meal to rustle up for the family meal after the Kiltwalk!

“We wish Lorraine and all those taking part the best of luck for a great day and our Scotch Lamb mascot will be at the event to help raise the spirits of the footsore!”

Joining Lorraine on the walk is the Scotch Lamb mascot as well as STV weatherman Sean Batty and presenter Peter Martin. Live at Five’s Hayley Matthews and her partner and son will enjoy some family fun on the Wee Wander route.

 Last year, Lorraine took to the dance floor in a 24 hour ceilidh extravaganza in aid of the STV Children’s Appeal, and in 2014 the presenter danced her way across the country in Lorraine’s ‘Shimmy across Scotland’, a challenge that saw her take part in as many dance and exercise classes as she could during an intense 24 hours.

Elizabeth Partyka of the STV Children’s Appeal said: “We are thrilled that Lorraine, one of our biggest supporters since we launched the Appeal five years ago, is taking on another fundraising challenge this year, and we hope that people and communities in the Edinburgh area will join in too. Whether you’re taking part in Kiltwalk or simply support by donating, you can help make a real difference to the lives of children affected by poverty right here in Scotland.”