BBC Charity Appeals

17/09/2026

Writer, producer and patron of Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) Armando Iannucci presents this week’s BBC Radio 4 Appeal. CPAG works to relieve child poverty, including supporting schools to identify and remove barriers that can stop children from fully participating in school life. Armando shares the story of pupils at a school in East London who took part in a CPAG programme exploring the impact of poverty on school life. After listening to fellow students’ experiences, they presented their findings to school leaders and helped bring about practical changes.
Hear more about the work of the charity by tuning in this Sunday at 0754 and 2125 or listen again after broadcast here:

Writer Armando Iannucci makes the Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of Child Poverty Action Group.

11/09/2026

Dr Atul Gawande, co-founder of Lifebox Foundation presents this week’s BBC Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of the charity. Lifebox works with healthcare teams around the world to improve the safety of surgery through training, essential equipment and practical safety measures. Atul shares the story of Dr Anteneh Yifru, a surgeon in Ethiopia who was treating a patient undergoing emergency surgery. Without the basic monitoring equipment needed to identify a life-threatening problem, Dr Yifru had to rely on his expertise to realise a breathing tube had been inserted incorrectly. Today, thanks to equipment and training provided by Lifebox, his hospital is better equipped to keep patients safe during surgery.
Hear more about the work of the charity by tuning in this Sunday at 0754 and 2125 or listen again after broadcast here:

Co-founder Atul Gawande makes the Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of Lifebox Foundation.

07/09/2026

Follow the link below to watch Abbey Clancy and Peter Crouch present this month's BBC Lifeline appeal for Variety, the Children's Charity. Variety is one of the UK's leading charities for children who are disabled or disadvantaged. Through practical support, life-changing equipment, therapies and unforgettable experiences, the charity works to give every child the opportunity to live their best possible life, no matter what challenges they face.

An appeal on behalf of Variety, the Children's Charity.

03/09/2026

Journalist and broadcaster Sangita Myska presents this week’s BBC BBC Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of Railway Children. The charity supports vulnerable children and young people living on the streets, helping them build safer and more secure futures.
Sangita shares the story of Juma, who began living on the streets of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania when he was eleven years old. After years facing hunger, insecurity and isolation, he was supported by Railway Children’s Youth Association Programme.
Here how this intervention helped Juma rebuild his life by listening this Sunday 06/09/2026 at 0754 and 2125 or listen again after broadcast here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00316sg
https://www.railwaychildren.org.uk/

Broadcaster Sangita Myska makes the Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of Railway Children.

28/08/2026

Broadcaster and Mesothelioma UK ambassador Carolyn Quinn presents this week’s BBC Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of the charity. Mesothelioma UK provides specialist nursing and support to people living with mesothelioma, a rare and incurable cancer most often caused by exposure to asbestos. Carolyn shares the story of Martin, a former builder from Stafford who was diagnosed with mesothelioma many years after being exposed to asbestos as an apprentice joiner. Hear how support from one of the charity’s specialist nurses meant Martin was able to explore new treatment options, by tuning in this Sunday 30th August or listen again after broadcast here:

Broadcaster Carolyn Quinn makes the Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of Mesothelioma UK.

21/08/2026

Actor Peter Egan presents this week’s BBC Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of International Animal Rescue. The charity rescues and protects animals around the world, from bears in Armenia to orangutans in Indonesia and monkeys in Costa Rica. Peter shares the story of Retta, a Syrian brown bear who spent years confined to a small cage at a tourist resort in Armenia. Rescued by International Animal Rescue, she was taken to a sanctuary where she received expert care and the chance to rediscover her natural behaviours.
Find out how Retta is getting on by tuning in this Sunday 23rd August at 0754 and 2125 or listen again after broadcast here:

Actor Peter Egan makes the Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of International Animal Rescue.

06/08/2026

Founder of Peace Direct Dr Scilla Elworthy presents this week’s BBC Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of the charity. Peace Direct works with local peacebuilders in conflict-affected communities around the world, supporting people who are tackling violence and building peace where they live. Scilla shares the story of Catherine and Marwanatu, neighbours in Nigeria whose community was divided by violence between Christians and Muslims. With support from Peace Direct’s local partner LEGASI, the women came together to overcome distrust and grief, eventually founding a movement together to help others break cycles of violence. Hear more about their story and the work of the charity by tuning in this Sunday 09/08/2026 at 0754 and 2125 or listen again after broadcast here:

Founder Scilla Elworthy makes the Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of Peace Direct.

30/07/2026

Follow the link below to watch Eddie Marsan present this month’s BBC Lifeline appeal for Tourettes Action. Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by involuntary movements and sounds known as tics. Tourettes Action is the UK's leading charity supporting people living with Tourette syndrome and their families. Through practical advice, support services, advocacy, education and awareness campaigns, the charity works to reduce stigma, improve understanding and ensure that no one affected by Tourette syndrome has to face it alone: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002zl0h

30/07/2026

Model and ambassador David Gandy presents this week’s BBC Radio 4 on behalf of Over The Wall Camp. The charity provides free residential camps for children living with serious illnesses and disabilities, as well as their families. Children like Tobi, who was born with sickle-cell disease and suffered a heart attack and stroke when he was 10. Once recovered, he and his family enjoyed a much-needed break at an Over The Wall family camp. Hear how this holiday brought the family together and provided some respite for mum Cordelia by tuning in this Sunday 02/08/2026 at 0754 and 2125 or listen again after broadcast here:

Model David Gandy makes the Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of Over the Wall Camp

23/07/2026

Dame Ellen MacArthur presents this week’s BBC Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. EMCTrust takes young people recovering from cancer on sailing and outdoor adventures, helping them rebuild their confidence and look to the future with hope. Ellen shares the story of Tegan, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma while at university. Although her treatment was successful, she struggled with the lasting impact of cancer.
Hear how a sailing trip with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust changed Tegan’s perspective by tuning in this Sunday 26th July at 0754 and 2125 or listen again after broadcast here:

Dame Ellen MacArthur makes the Radio 4 Appeal for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.