DARCEY TO MAKE IT A BIG GIVE CHRISTMAS

THE Big Give Christmas Challenge is launching tomorrow with 765 charities taking part and with backing from celebrity supporters including retired ballerina Dame Darcey Bussell (pictured).

James Reed, the boss of the recruitment company of the same name, whose father Sir Alec founded the Big Give in 2007, said charities had suffered a slump in donations and a surge in demand this year due to Covid. Two-thirds of charities reported a drop in income averaging 43pc.

‘We want to give the sector a boost because they need it,’ said Mr Reed, who hopes to raise £16m in a week, starting at noon tomorrow. During that time, all donations made to participating charities on BigGive.org.uk will be doubled. The Big Give has been responsible for helping to raise £135m in total.

Other celebrity supporters include Jonny Wilkinson, the Duchess of York and Jo Brand.