It is time to get your kit on and make a difference... Sport Relief is back!
Today Sport Relief is revealing a flavour of its star-studded line-up to get the UK pumped up and ready to get their kit on to change lives!
Article Source: Sport Relief
Last Updated: 4 February 2020 9:22
Secrets being spilt today include the first famous face set to trek a 100-mile triathlon on ice in Mongolia, some of the presenters of the BBC One night of Sport Relief entertainment, and an unmissable competition for schools around the country with double Olympic gold medallist, Max Whitlock MBE.
Sporting legend Rio Ferdinand and his wife, fitness fanatic Kate, have got their kit on to help kick off Sport Relief, and have shared a powerful personal message about how sport has improved their lives, especially when it comes to mental health.
Rio, football legend and BT Sport presenter, said: “Over the years I’ve learnt that there’s much more to sport than winning trophies; there’s a lot to gain personally from taking part. Sport has this amazing ability to bring people together and tackle really important issues like mental health stigma, which I’m really passionate about. Sport gives you something to focus your energy on, and speaking from my own experiences off the pitch, it’s positively impacted my family’s lives when going through some hard times.
“Sport Relief brings all this together in a way no other charity does – with a sense of fun and humour, which we all need a bit more of. I am proud to be part of this year’s campaign and I’m looking forward to seeing some of the work donations support, to hopefully bring more attention to topics, like mental health, that we really need to keep talking about publicly.”
Kate said: “Sport is really important to me and our family – it’s helped me so much recently with my own panic attacks and anxiety, so I know how much it can change your way of thinking and mental health. I love starting the day with a home workout or family dog walk, any form of exercise sets me up with a positive and motivated mindset. The beauty of Sport Relief is that it is so easy to get involved and it is for anyone, whether you are sporty or not. Knowing that donations tackle issues like mental health, homelessness and domestic abuse, makes it a no-brainer for me. I’m excited to be part of this year’s campaign and look forward to getting more involved.”
Since last Sport Relief, some of the money raised has help support 127 organisations right here in Scotland. Sport Relief channels the power of sport to raise money and change lives, with donations spent on tackling major issues including mental health, domestic abuse, homelessness and child poverty – at home and around the world.
Coming up this Sport Relief:
BBC Radio 1 DJ, Nick Grimshaw, is the first name to be revealed for BBC One's Sport Relief: On Thin Ice, a sub-zero four-day challenge of a lifetime, taking place over 4,000 miles from home towards the end of February. Grimmy will form part of a brave team of eight celebrities who, in a world-first, will together cycle, skate and trek 100 arduous miles across Lake Khovsgol, Mongolia, which is more than two million years old and freezes to ice during winter. The challenge aims to break the ice on the silence and stigma surrounding mental health issues, a cause close to the hearts of the eight celebrities, so more people can access the support they need. Their heroic efforts will be filmed for a one-hour documentary to be shown in the run up to Sport Relief. More names will be revealed over the course of today and the rest of the week.
Nick said: “Super excited to announce that I’ll be doing 25 miles a day on ice in Mongolia all in aid of Sport Relief. It’s going to be really challenging both mentally and physically, but I can’t wait to get started!”
Newsreader and avid runner Sophie Raworth will take on BBC Radio 3’s Beat Beethoven challenge which sees members of the public run 5k around MediaCityUK and “beat” the music of Beethoven’s epic Fifth Symphony performed live by the BBC Philharmonic on 13th March. Further BBC Radio plans will be revealed soon.
As part of this year’s TV entertainment, true Sport Relief legends including David Walliams, Davina McCall, Greg James, John Bishop and Gareth Thomas will share memorable moments from their gruelling fundraising challenges from over the years in a special documentary shown the week before Sport Relief on BBC One. All have pushed themselves to the absolute mental and physical limit to raise millions for causes they care deeply about.
Max Whitlock MBE, double Olympic gold medallist and 2019 gymnastics World Champion, will be gearing up to visit one lucky school in the country, as he announces a brand-new competition in a Sport Relief first. Schools can enter simply by submitting their proposals on sportrelief.com/max, to be in with the chance of winning a special visit from Max himself.
Max has also joined forces with sports stars Ellie Simmonds, Harry Kane and Jessica Ennis-Hill to launch this year’s official Sport Relief range, sold exclusively in Sainsbury’s and selected Argos stores. This year’s fundraising merchandise includes everything from colourful T-shirts to pin badges, as well as a limited-edition tote bag, designed by Dina Asher-Smith. This will all be on sale from 15th February.
Gary Lineker and Paddy McGuinness return as hosts alongside other exciting new names soon to be revealed, for the Sport Relief night of TV from Salford, which will air on BBC One on 13th March. Viewers can expect a spectacular line-up of one-off specials, sketches and live music.
The UK can also enjoy a series of Sport Relief themed TV shows, including BBC’s Catchpoint, Blue Peter, Bargain Hunt, which will pit Olympians against sports TV presenters, and, from today, a Sport Relief special of Football Stars in Bad Cars is available to view on BBC Three, featuring BBC Radio 1’s Chris Stark.
And all of that is just for starters - much more will be revealed over the coming days and weeks. Money raised will support people living incredibly tough lives in the UK and around the world.
Find out how you can get involved here »
Sponsored Links
Latest East Renfrewshire News
Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
Enjoy East Ren announces Winterfest programme
Enjoy East Ren has announced its Winterfest programme, packed full of Christmas cheer, with festive events for all the family.
READ MORE
Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025
Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life
Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.
READ MORE
Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORE
East Renfrewshire to introduce 20mph speed limits to improve road safety
East Renfrewshire Council is set to reduce the speed limit on more than 1,100 residential streets and school zones to 20mph in an effort to make roads in the local authority safer for everyone.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
Authors celebrate Book Week Scotland 2025 at East Renfrewshire Libraries
Libraries across East Renfrewshire celebrated Book Week Scotland (17-23 November 2025) with a series of author events and workshops.
READ MORE
Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West
From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
Salmon return to Levern Water in Barrhead after 170 years
Salmon have returned to the Levern Water in Barrhead for the first time in 170 years, thanks to an award-winning river restoration project by East Ren Council and SEPA.
READ MORE
The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January
January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
New book launches in Busby by local author, Marissa McCudden
Debut author, Marissa McCudden, has launched her new book, 'There's Lots of Different Types of Clever' with illustrator, Michael Spy on Amazon.
READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland
Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!
READ MORE
Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.
READ MORE
Footballers shine at SPAR Future Stars Cup
Girls' football stars from across East Renfrewshire showed their skills at the SPAR Future Stars Cup.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026
Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.
READ MORE
Hidden treasures of Murrayfield
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
Festive days out to make the most of the season
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE
Marathon Guy inspires East Ren Run Club
Award-winning running coach Colin Thomas, otherwise known as the Marathon Guy, inspired local runners, offering top tips and advice from his 20-year fitness career.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links