Latest news with #RedNoseDay
Scoop
20-07-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Cure Kids Urges Support For Red Nose Day Following Health Research Budget Cuts
With New Zealand's health system under pressure and the science research sector recently facing significant funding cuts, Cure Kids is calling on New Zealanders to support lifesaving child health research this Red Nose Day. New Zealand researchers warn that these cuts could place further strain on an already pressured health system, risking skilled researchers moving overseas, leaving child health research and other critical areas underfunded and at risk. 'Research is critical to our health system preforming better and delivering high-quality care' says Professor Stuart Dalziel, Cure Kids Chair of Child Health Research, at the University of Auckland and a Paediatric Emergency Specialist. 'New Zealand has world-leading paediatric researchers, whose research, funded by Cure Kids, makes a real difference to thousands of children each year and provides economic return for the community. For example, every $1 invested by Cure Kids in cot death research resulted in a $12 return to the community, in addition to the many hundreds of lives saved.' 'Our tamariki are our most precious taonga. We need to strive as a country to ensure they reach their maximum health.' Amid this climate, Cure Kids has re-opened its annual funding round to support high-impact research projects tackling New Zealand's most urgent child healthissues. Last year, this enabled a wide range of research – from improving surgical outcomes for rheumatic heart disease, to tackling youth mental health and addiction through more accessible services. 'Cure Kids remains committed to backing researchers who are pushing boundaries and tackling the biggest challenges facing our tamariki,' says Cure Kids CEO, Frances Soutter. 'Securing donations in this economic climate is challenging, but we continue to fund child health research to ensure bold ideas with the potential to save lives don't fall through the cracks. Every dollar raised this Red Nose Day helps fund New Zealand research so breakthroughs in child health can happen.' As New Zealand's largest charitable funder of child health research, Cure Kids is currently funding 40 research projects across Aotearoa, including a new drug that could reduce disability in newborns who suffer oxygen deprivation at birth, and a first of its kind national study into autism prevalence and healthcare access. The long-term impact of Cure Kids funded research is evident in a 2018 project led by neonatologist Dr Max Berry, which has helped transform care for extremely premature babies. Her findings showed that babies born as early as 23 or 24 weeks, once considered the edge of viability, can survive and go on to lead healthy lives. The study has since informed clinical practice nationwide and improved outcomes for hundreds of New Zealand's most vulnerable babies. But Soutter says this progress is only possible with consistent support from generous donors. 'Throughout our 54-year history, we've seen thousands of children's lives saved, extended or improved thanks to the research we help fund. None of that can happen without the generosity from New Zealanders.' 'Cure Kids funding plays a critical role in ensuring we can keep advancing treatments for conditions like childhood cancers, asthma, and other life-threatening paediatric conditions.' For families like the Holecliffes, Cure Kids has been lifechanging. When their daughter Lucca was just 16 months old, she was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive cancer, Epithelioid Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Sarcoma. With limited global cases and no standard treatment plan, her prognosis was uncertain. Following urgent surgery, Lucca was introduced to oncologist Dr Andy Wood, whose return to New Zealand was made possible thanks to Cure Kids. Dr Wood recommended a pioneering treatment that helped shrink the tumour and avoid the harsher side effects of traditional chemotherapy. 'Without Cure Kids backing Andy's research, Lucca wouldn't be here today,' says mum, Jordanna Holecliffe. 'They gave us hope at the worst time in our lives.' Now 10, Lucca is thriving and proudly serves as a Cure Kids ambassador. She and her family are dedicated to helping others by encouraging New Zealanders to get behind Red Nose Day this year. Red Nose Day takes place on Friday, 25 July, with fundraising events happening across the country. You can donate online, or at Briscoes and Rebel Sport stores nation wide. Every dollar raised goes directly to child health researchers working on projects that make a tangible difference in the lives of Kiwi kids. About Cure Kids Cure Kids is New Zealand's largest charitable funder of child health research. Over its 54 year history, it has invested more than $70 million into projects that aim to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of serious health conditions affecting children. Cure Kids is currently supporting around $12 million in research across 40 projects. Learn more at
Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Blue Peter makes history by hiring non-human presenter for the very first time
The BBC's children's show has been on air since 1958 but has made history again with the announcement that canine comedian Hacker T Dog will join the line up. Blue Peter has made history by hiring a non-human presenter. The flagship children's programme is one of the longest-running shows in the world but for the first time in its 67-year history, bosses have opted for a completely different kind of personality to helm the show. acker T Dog, a resident CBBC puppet, will now be part of the on-air team alongside Abby Cook, Joel Mawhinney, Shini Muthukrishnan and Henry the Blue Peter pet dog. The puppet was initially voiced by Andy Heath when he made his debut on the children's network in 2009 as part of the TV show Scoop before Phil Fletcher took over a few months later, and has been a mainstay on-screen ever since. Over the years, the puppet has undertaken general hosting duties on the channel and even featured as a guest presenter on Blue Peter in the past. Announcing the news of his full-time position on the programme, he said: 'It's dead exciting! Thank you for letting me aboard the mighty ship Blue Peter. I am privileged, nay proud, to be involved in this fine institution and top-notch show. That's right folks, it's me Hacker The Dog, national treasure, and new Blue Peter presenter.' Hacker, who also featured in his own show Hacker Time from 2011 until 2016, is the 44th presenter to land a coveted spot on the prestigious programme. Puppeteer Phil also spoke of how he grew up with Blue Peter and is "thrilled" to join the team. Hacker has so far taken part in festive specials for Blue Peter, Red Nose Day and Children in Need shows, and also presented several 'Here's One I Made Earlier' craft segments. The puppet has also interviewed huge celebrities for the station, having spoken to the likes of Little Mix, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Jack Black and John Cena amongst a host of others over the years. In the very early days of the programme, it was fronted by Christopher Trace and Leila Williams before John Noakes established himself as the longest-serving presenter with a 12-year stint throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Janet Ellis, mother of pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor, was also a notable member of the on air-team in its early decades, having fronted the at the end of the 1970s and on into the 1980s. In later years, the series made a star out of Konnie Huq when she became the longest-serving female presenter over a period of nine years from 1997 until 2008. TV favourite Helen Skelton appeared on the famous desk shortly after making her debut on CBBC show Newsround and then went on to host Countryfile in the years before she competed on Strictly Come Dancing. Hacker will join current presenters in the new look Blue Peter studio from Friday 5 September. To mark his debut as presenter number 44, Hacker will take viewers on a special tour of his hometown, Wigan, highlighting its most iconic spots. Sarah Muller, BBC Senior Head of Children's Commissioning +7, said: 'Audiences already love Hacker's guest appearances on Blue Peter, and now he's officially joining the team this September as we unveil the show's fresh new look. Viewers can expect plenty of mischief from the one-and-only Hacker T Dog.' Blue Peter airs on CBBC, BBC Two, Sign Zone and BBC iPlayer.
Daily Record
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Inside Lenny Henry's life including 25-year marriage to Dawn French and his real name
Sir Lenny Henry has had an incredible career in showbiz, and has seen him star in some of the UK's most popular TV shows, as well as co-founding Comic Relief Sir Lenny Henry has been a staple on our telly for years, having built an impressive career as a comedian, writer, and actor. The 66 year old is perhaps best known for his role in The Lenny Henry Show, as well as co-founding Comic Relief with Richard Curtis, which led to the launch of Red Nose Day. Here, we explore the comedian's life, from his diverse career to his marriage to Dawn French.... Lenny Henry's childhood Lenny was born in Dudley in August 1958 to parents Winston and Winifred. His full name is Lenworth George Henry, and he was named after the doctor who delivered him at Burton Road Hospital. He is the fifth of seven children and was the first child of the family to be born in the UK. Lenny eventually discovered his biological father to be a man named Albert Augustus Green, known as Bertie, with whom his mother had a brief relationship when she first arrived in England from Jamaica, reports Surrey Live. Lenny attended St John's Primary School and The Blue Coat School in Dudley before continuing his studies at W. R. Tuson College in Preston. Lenny Henry's career Lenny's career began with stand-up performances in working men's clubs, with his first television appearance on the New Faces talent show in 1975, where he wowed audiences with his remarkable impersonations. He later joined The Comic Strip and BBC Radio 1, continuing to make regular appearances on television. The Lenny Henry Show made its debut on the BBC in 1984 and ran for an impressive 19 years. In 1985, Lenny co-founded the charity Comic Relief alongside Richard Curtis, with the inaugural Red Nose Day taking place three years later. Over the years, Lenny has featured in TV programmes such as The Syndicate and Doctor, lent his voice to characters in children's TV show Big and Small, and participated in game shows like The Masked Singer. Away from the small screen, he's penned two autobiographies and a pair of young adult fantasy novels, co-produced the blues album New Millennium Blues, and starred in theatre productions. Lenny Henry's marriage to Dawn French Lenny crossed paths with Dawn in 1980 when they were both part of the comedy show Comic Strip. The couple exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony in London's Covent Garden in 1984, followed by a lavish reception. In 1991, Lenny and Dawn adopted their daughter Billie when she was just two weeks old. Now 34, Billie prefers to stay away from the limelight. In 2010, Dawn and Lenny made public their decision to separate. They released a joint statement explaining that the split was amicable, with a mutual intention to remain close friends and prioritise co-parenting their daughter. Over the years, the pair have spoken highly of one another in interviews and have indeed maintained a strong friendship. In a 2016 interview with the Daily Express, Lenny shed light on the reasons behind their separation. He reflected: "There's generally a situation where one partner wants the marriage to finish more than the other. "I think maybe one of us did, then the other one did, and then the other did over a period of time, and then, in the end, we thought, 'Oh, actually maybe we both do'. We knew it wasn't possible to continue." Lenny Henry's marriage to Lisa Makin Lenny has since moved on and found love again in a long-term relationship. In 2012, he began dating casting director and theatre producer Lisa Makin. Lisa's work in the entertainment industry is notable, with credits on IMDb for miniseries such as Peaches, Mine All Mine, Aberfan: The Untold Story, among others. Although Lenny and Lisa often attend red carpet events together, they generally keep their relationship private. Meanwhile, Lenny's ex-wife Dawn has since married therapist Mark Bignell.
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Inside Lenny Henry's life including ending 25-year marriage to Dawn French
Sir Lenny Henry is one of the stars appearing in new ITV series Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters and he has had an impressive career Sir Lenny Henry, a familiar face on our telly for years, has built an impressive career as a comedian, writer, and actor. The 66 year old is perhaps most recognised for hosting The Lenny Henry Show, and co-founding Comic Relief with Richard Curtis, which led to the inception of Red Nose Day. His latest telly project sees him revealing more about his personal life, including his childhood, as he's set to feature on Alison Hammond's Big Weekend. The programme will see the duo spending the day together in West London, delving into Lenny's past. Here, we explore the comedian's life, from his diverse career to his marriage to Dawn French.... Lenny Henry's childhood Lenny was born in Dudley in August 1958 to parents Winston and Winifred. His full name is Lenworth George Henry, and he was named after the doctor who delivered him at Burton Road Hospital, reports Surrey Live. He is the fifth of seven children and was the first child of the family to be born in the UK. Lenny eventually discovered his biological father to be a man named Albert Augustus Green, known as Bertie, with whom his mother had a brief relationship when she first arrived in England from Jamaica. Lenny attended St John's Primary School and The Blue Coat School in Dudley before continuing his studies at W. College in Preston. Lenny Henry's career Lenny's career took off performing stand-up routines in working men's clubs, with his first telly appearance in 1975 on the New Faces talent show. His spot-on impersonations won him the competition. He then joined The Comic Strip and the team at BBC Radio 1, continuing to make appearances on the box. The Lenny Henry Show made its debut on the Beeb in 1984 and ran for a whopping 19 years. In 1985, Lenny co-founded the charity Comic Relief with Richard Curtis, with the inaugural Red Nose Day taking place three years later. Over the years, Lenny has graced our screens in TV shows such as The Syndicate and Doctor. He's also lent his voice to characters in the children's TV show Big and Small and participated in game shows like The Masked Singer. Off the telly, he's penned two autobiographies and a pair of young adult fantasy books, co-produced the blues album New Millennium Blues, and taken centre stage in theatre productions. Lenny Henry's marriage to Dawn French Lenny crossed paths with Dawn in 1980 when they were both part of the comedy show Comic Strip. Four years on, the couple said their vows in a beautiful ceremony in London's Covent Garden, followed by a lavish do. In 1991, Lenny and Dawn welcomed their daughter Billie, who they adopted at just two weeks old. Now 34, Billie tends to steer clear of the limelight. Back in 2010, Dawn and Lenny announced the end of their marriage, releasing a statement that read: "The separation is entirely amicable and they fully intend to maintain their close friendship. Their priority is to commit to the future joint parenting of their daughter." While both have maintained a good friendship post-split, speaking fondly of each other in public interviews, Lenny opened up about the dynamics of their breakup in a telling 2016 interview. Speaking to the Daily Express, later he reflected: "There's generally a situation where one partner wants the marriage to finish more than the other. "I think maybe one of us did, then the other one did, and then the other did over a period of time, and then, in the end, we thought, 'Oh, actually maybe we both do'. We knew it wasn't possible to continue." Lenny Henry's marriage to Lisa Makin But love blossomed once again for Lenny when he began dating Lisa Makin in 2012. As a successful casting director and theatre producer credited on projects like Peaches and Aberfan: The Untold Story, Lisa keeps a low profile despite attending star-studded events with Lenny. On the other hand, Dawn has since remarried, tying the knot with therapist Mark Bignell, while she and Lenny jointly parent their daughter, demonstrating that all parties have moved forward positively.
The Irish Sun
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Loose Women star misses out on Celebrity Bridge of Lies jackpot after choosing wrong answer – but could you have got it?
LOOSE Women star flunks jackpot question on Celebrity Bridge of Lies - but would you have nailed it? A Loose Women favourite came this close to scooping the cash prize on Advertisement 2 Sunetra Sarker's luck ran out just steps away from the jackpot Credit: BBC 2 This was the final question that stood between her and a big cash prize for charity when Sunetra chose the wrong answer Credit: BBC The Casualty and Ackley Bridge actress had been confidently spotting the lies from the truth all evening, impressing host But when it came to the crunch - the final question that stood between her and a big cash prize for charity — Sunetra chose the wrong answer, and the money vanished in a flash. Ross looked gutted as the bridge lit up in red, exposing the answer she should have picked. Advertisement more on bbc Fans at home were left shouting at their screens - but would YOU have got it right? Sunetra was tasked to spot the true fact out of four statements. They were: Virgo is the only star sign represented by a person, White chocolate contains cocoa butter, The first Red Nose Day took place before Live Aid, and Oddjob is the Bond villain in the film Thunderball. Sunetra was torn between two answers. Advertisement Most read in Reality Exclusive But, after deliberating with her teammate Ross revealed it was a lie - as Oddjob is the Bond villain in the film Goldfinger - leaving Sunetra gutted. Carol Vorderman left stumped by 'easy' Jack Black question on Celebrity Puzzling Also in the episode, Sunetra failed to realise a true statement was about her fellow Loose Woman co-star. It read: "Tracey Stubbs is a character in Advertisement Sunetra guessed that it was true, and was relieved when Ross said she was correct. However, she was left stunned when Ross revealed: "Yeah, she's played by Linda Robson - your fellow Loose Women star!" Hardest Quiz Show Questions Would you know the answers to some of quizzing TV's hardest questions Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Earlier this year, The 1% Club - Viewers of Lee Mack's popular ITV show were left The Chase - The ITV daytime favourite left fans scratching their heads when it threw up Sunetra replied: "You're kidding me! "She'll never forgive me. Advertisement "Sorry!" Celebrity Bridge of Lies is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
