Boots UK customers and colleagues are today celebrating their best ever year of fundraising for BBC Children in Need, raising an incredible £1,559,000.

As part of this year’s Boots “Go Bright” campaign, ‘Pudsey Parlours’ have popped up in stores up and down the country, and Boots UK customers and colleagues have been donning their boldest and brightest looks, undergoing colourful No7 makeovers to raise money for BBC Children in Need. This evening, Boots UK has announced that a grand total of ££1,559,000 has been raised for the charity, which will help to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

Elizabeth Fagan, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Boots, comments: “Together we can really make a difference, helping more young people grow their confidence, resilience, and their self-belief. BBC Children in Need is a cause that has been close to our hearts for 14 years, and one that we know our customers feel equally as passionate about. You can see this through the energy of our colleagues in our stores right across the country, and at our support office in Nottingham. We’ve had a lot of fun this year, bringing to life our Go Bright campaign, and are delighted that so many have participated.  It’s this spirit of community that makes Boots colleagues and customers so special, and that has enabled us to raise this money, which will help make a difference to even more children’s lives.”

Across the UK, Boots colleagues and customers have been taking part in an array of fundraising challenges and have been showcasing their bright looks, from glitter beards to colourful hair and make-up. Colleagues have also been selling official glow in the dark and Pudsey merchandise, so everyone is able to join in the fun at home.

In our hometown, Nottingham, fundraising was boosted by the annual Boots bonfire and firework evening, and activities across the Support Office on Appeal day, including a mascot race, an egg and spoon race, ping pong competitions, bright bake offs and more.

In 2017, money raised by Boots UK for BBC Children in Need will go on to fund projects which help disadvantaged children and young people better cope with the adversity they face by building their confidence and resilience.  The projects will help the young people to reach their full potential by encouraging them to better believe in themselves and what they can achieve in life.

A local project supported by BBC Children in Need is the Sneinton Play Centre’s Healthy Living Project (HLP), which has received funding for the last four years. The HLP was set up in response to obesity levels in the local area, running workshops and outings that support children to learn the skills needed to lead a healthy life. This year, local children benefitting from the HLP were invited to attend the Boots Bonfire as Pudsey’s guests of honour for a night of fireworks, fun and festivities.

Sneinton Play Centre, commented: “Our grant from BBC Children in Need, has helped us make a huge difference to the lives of children in our community through the Healthy Living Project. What’s best is that the project is child-led, which means that they get to have a say in the design of the project and helps tailor it to their immediate needs. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helps make this funding possible!” 

Simon Antrobus, Chief Executive of BBC Children in Need said of the total:  “BBC Children in Need are incredibly grateful to everyone at Boots UK for their support in 2017; this phenomenal total really will go on to make a lasting, positive difference to young lives. Thank you.”

Making a difference and changing the lives of these young children is very important to Boots UK, which has been working together with BBC Children in Need to help children reach their full potential for 14 years and has now raised over £11.5 million for the charity.

Here are some more pictures of what's been going on: