As The One Show launches its epic fundraiser The Challenge Squad for BBC Children in Need, the first challenge has been revealed: an 18-year-old singer-songwriter will take to the stage to perform live on the Appeal Show alongside Sam Ryder.
Kat will sing with Sam Ryder in front of a live studio audience and the millions of viewers who tune into BBC One for the BBC Children in Need Appeal show.
Kat is one of four inspirational young people who will be taking on personal challenges in support of BBC Children in Need. Each of them has previously benefitted from the charity’s funding and is now stepping up to help make a difference for others.
Supported by The One Show’s Alex Jones and Roman Kemp, along with BBC Radio 2’s Sara Cox, The Challenge Squad will face a series of unique tasks and opportunities. Over the coming days, the remaining three squad members will discover their own challenges, leading to some unforgettable moments during BBC Children in Need’s 2025 Appeal Week.
Viewers can follow the journey each evening on The One Show, as the challenges unfold and the young people’s powerful stories are shared in the lead-up to the live BBC Children in Need Appeal Show.
The One Show’s Alex Jones who will be championing the squad and mentoring two of the young people ahead of their challenge, said: “It’s an absolute joy to be back with the Challenge Squad this year. These young people are truly remarkable – full of courage and determination. I’m so proud to be working with them and helping to share their stories with the nation. The challenges they’re taking on are no small feat, but we know they’ll each give it everything they’ve got.”
Roman Kemp who will also be mentoring one of the squad as they prepare for their challenge, commented: “Being part of the Challenge Squad again this year is a real honour. These young people are stepping up in such a powerful way – not just to raise money, but to raise awareness of the support that BBC Children in Need provides. Their goals are ambitious, and I know they’ll inspire so many others to get involved.”
BBC Radio 2’s Sara Cox said: “While I take on my own epic mission for BBC Children in Need – the Great Northern Marathon Challenge – I’ll also be supporting The Challenge Squad. It’s a privilege to support them and to help shine a light on the life-changing work of BBC Children in Need funded projects across the UK.”
The Challenge Squad is made up of the following young people:
Kat, 18, is a budding singer-songwriter from Hampshire who will sing with Sam Ryder. Kat was born with cerebral palsy and is an ambulatory wheelchair user, moving between using a wheelchair and crutches. Kat is also proudly neurodivergent (autism and ADHD). Kat faced bullying throughout childhood and after considerable mental health battles found Music Fusion, a project supported by BBC Children in Need, which encouraged Kat’s self-expression through music. Kat credits Music Fusion as the place that really changed their outlook on life and allowed them to heal and grow in self-confidence.
Eloise, 17, from Ayrshire, is a young carer for her 18-year-old sister Elyssa. Elyssa needs round the clock care due to a rare genetic condition which means she has epilepsy, autism and limited communication skills. Eloise works together with her parents and brother to ensure that Elyssa has a safe and happy homelife. The family’s caring responsibilities are made harder because both of Eloise’s parents have quite complex health conditions themselves that have an impact on their mobility. Eloise has been supported by East Ayrshire Young Carers since the age of nine. For Eloise, it’s a place where she can speak to youth workers about the stresses of school and home and embrace being a teenager with other young carers.
Lloyd, 21, from Surrey, was born with Down syndrome. Lloyd is now a keen sportsman but when he was growing up, he had a number of health conditions that made accessing sport harder. Lloyd had a hole in his heart (which has now grown over) and some loss of hearing. He also needed operations on his legs and procedures on his eyes. But Lloyd has always embraced sports. He is a keen marathon runner and loves athletics, gymnastics, golf and football. Lloyd wants to show the world what people with Down syndrome can achieve if barriers and prejudice are removed. Lloyd is supported by Stepping Stones DS, which supports children and young people with Down syndrome and is part-funded by BBC Children in Need.
Jude, 20, from North London, was born with spina bifida. As Jude grew up, he had multiple operations to help him to walk more easily. Facing multiple operations was difficult for Jude and his family, with the recovery sometimes taking months. As Jude has grown up, he’s taken every opportunity to embrace sport – especially football. Playing football has enabled Jude to grow in confidence and he now coaches an inclusive football team. Jude is an ambassador for Shine, a charity that works with children and families affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Jude has benefitted from the support Shine give to children and teenagers. They work with young people to give them a space to express themselves and to grow in independence in all areas of their lives.
Joanne Vaughan-Jones, Editor of The One Show said: “We’re incredibly proud to introduce this year’s Challenge Squad: a group of extraordinary young people whose courage and determination will no doubt inspire our viewers. Their personal journeys are a testament to the power of resilience, and we hope everyone will get behind them as they take on their personal challenges and help raise important funds for others facing tough times.”
Tommy Nagra, Director of Content at BBC Children in Need added: “This year we are asking people to challenge themselves. Over the coming weeks you will see members of the public, celebrities, school children and organisations across the UK going the extra mile and digging deep for BBC Children in Need. These four young people who make up The Challenge Squad have overcome their own personal hurdles in life and are on a mission to uplift others and give back. With so many organisations in need of funding, we urge everyone to get behind them and donate what they can to help us reach even more children and young people across the UK.”
The Challenge Squad quotes:
Kat:
“Music Fusion found me when I hit rock bottom, they gave me a reason to keep going and showed me that I could create amazing songs using everything I’ve been through. Music Fusion received funding from BBC Children in Need, and that’s why I am fundraising as part of the Challenge Squad this year. I want to give back to those who helped me, and singing with Sam Ryder on Appeal Night will be incredible!”
Eloise:
“Growing up a young carer isn’t easy. It’s tough to grow up and know the needs of others have to come first and it’s tough to be worrying through the school day if your family are ok while you are away. This is where BBC Children in Need have made a difference, by helping to fund East Ayrshire Young Carers. It’s my time away from my responsibilities but it also helps me to come to terms with issues I might be struggling with. It’s a great place and it’s changed my life and many others.”
Lloyd:
“I want to show the world what I can do, and that people with Down syndrome can do anything if they have support. Stepping Stones DS is a charity that is supported by BBC Children in Need. They have helped me grow in confidence and get the most out of life. I want to show the world that if you follow your dreams, and have the right support, anything is possible!”
Jude:
“Shine is a spina bifida charity which is supported by BBC Children in Need, it encourages young people like me to find their voice and follow their dreams. It’s incredible that someone who was once as shy as me would be joining The One Show’s Challenge Squad and sharing his story with millions. I wanted to be a part of it to raise awareness of spina bifida and help to raise money for BBC Children in Need.”
About BBC Children in Need
- BBC Children in Need believes that every child should have the chance to thrive and be the best they can be. For this to happen, we want every child to have someone they can turn to for help or support to overcome challenges they face.
- We make sure there’s someone able to give food, clothes and beds to a child living without; someone qualified to talk a child who is anxious, isolated or grieving; someone trained to mentor teenagers in communities facing inequality, violence or lack of opportunity; someone to be there for children living with serious illness, disability or carrying a load that’s just too heavy to manage alone.
- Right now, we can only help 1 in 6 organisations that asks us for support.
- Further information on BBC Children in Need can be found here
The One Show is made by BBC Studios Entertainment Productions.
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