Marathon Radio Shetland broadcast nets more than £17,000 for Children in Need

More than £17,000 was raised for Children in Need by BBC Radio Shetland’s marathon seven hour broadcast on Friday night.

Events kicked off at 6.10pm, and through the show there were contributions from schoolbairns and live bands, with the phones ringing all night with folk pledging money for the cause.

Station manager John Johnston said the total raised so far – more is expected to come in – as “just great”. He said: “We’d like to thank the people of Shetland for digging deep.”

The show started with six P7 bairns from Sound Primary School presenting regular show Give us a tune. The school had previously spent two days raising money for the cause by selling home bakes, second hand books and toys and by face painting. A grand total of £1,156, which included £100 from a pyjama party held by the nursery, was eventually presented to Children in Need.

In Whalsay primary and secondary pupils joined forces with the school staff to stage a fashion show in the school hall, with clothes generously lent by Lerwick shops. A great night raised £1,000.

Bands including Hom Bru and Mahogany were featured in the broadcast, one of the highlights of which was the well-established tradition of the auction. This had 70 items and raised £7,000. The highest bid was for £700 for a private viewing of a film of the recipient’s choice at Mareel, the very first show to be held in the 162-seater cinema before the venue opens to the public.

There was fierce competition for this item, said radio content manager Helen Smith, as there were for other “money can’t buy” experiences. Two of these were presenting radio show Give us a tune and having presenters of Shetland’s Larder Jane Moncrieff and Eunice Henderson come to your home and cook a dinner for six.

Other hotly contested items were a day’s kishie making with Ewen Balfour, a package for next year’s Big Bannock Experience and craft items, including a bus from Ian o’ Troswick which made £325. Ms Smith said: “Ian’s buses always attract a lot of interest, he has supported us for many years. We’d like to thank all the people who donated items for their contributions and thank all the listeners.”