There was excitement all round as pupils at six Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) primary schools welcomed a very special visitor – none other than Pudsey the Bear.
Pudsey made surprise appearances at Evergreen Primary Academy, Priorswood Primary School, Uphill Village Academy, Haywood Village Academy, Waycroft Academy and Wallscourt Farm Academy as part of the build-up to BBC Children in Need 2026.
This year, BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Radio Somerset are supporting the charity through their Run for Pudsey fundraising initiative, which encourages schools to get involved in raising vital funds to support children and young people across the UK.
Making the visits even more memorable, BBC Radio Bristol presenter Joe Lemer and BBC Radio Somerset presenter Charlie Taylor joined pupils and staff, broadcasting live from the schools. The presenters chatted with children and teachers about Pudsey’s surprise visits, the importance of BBC Children in Need and how schools can get involved in the Run for Pudsey challenge.
Designed specifically with schools in mind, Run for Pudsey encourages pupils to take on a fun physical challenge, bringing together exercise, teamwork and fundraising while helping to make a difference to the lives of children and young people across the UK.
Dean Blake, Communications Manager at the Cabot Learning Federation, who organised the visits, said:
“It was wonderful to see the excitement and joy Pudsey brought to our schools. For our pupils, having such a recognisable and much-loved character visit their academies was a really special experience.
“BBC Children in Need is a fantastic opportunity to help children understand the importance of kindness, community and supporting others. We are delighted to be working alongside BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Radio Somerset to raise awareness of Run for Pudsey and encourage our schools to get involved.
“Hopefully, these visits have inspired lots of our pupils to get running, have fun and help make a real difference.”
