Ba dum dum ching: BBC weatherman upbeat at raising £2m with drumathon
BBC weatherman Owain Wyn Evans has completed his 24-hour drumathon for Children In Need, raising more than £2 million for the charity.
The Welsh broadcaster began his gruelling challenge on BBC Breakfast on Friday at 8.35am, drumming through the day and night until completing his mammoth fundraising effort early yesterday. He finished his marathon drumming session to Britney Spears’s hit track Baby One More Time.
After completing the challenge, Evans said: “I’m feeling overwhelmed, people have been so generous. I can’t believe it’s over. Surprisingly my hands have held up OK but we’ve had some problems with my arms because they’ve been moving for 24 hours.
“Thank you so much to everyone who has donated. BBC Children In Need helps causes which are really close to my heart.”
The fundraiser, which featured special appearances from the Royal Marine drumming band and members of the BBC Philharmonic, has raised £2,007,250 so far. A highlight of the event on Friday evening saw the weatherman joined by 50 fellow drummers to perform a rendition of the BBC theme tune.
Evans first shot to fame during lockdown after a video of him drumming along to the broadcaster’s theme song went viral.
Many famous drummers made an appearance during the 24-hour stint, including McFly’s Harry Judd, Pulp’s Nick Banks, Cherisse Osei from Simple Minds, Steve White from Style Council, Frank Benbini of Fun Lovin’ Criminals and percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie.
Evans, who briefly paused for medical treatment for drumming-related injuries, was also joined virtually by Blondie’s Clem Burke, Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain, Formula 1’s Eddie Jordan, TV presenter Charley Boorman and Joe Black from Ru Paul’s Drag Race.
The BBC Children In Need Appeal Show will be broadcast on BBC1 from 7pm on Friday.