Big Bear Voyage Round Britain for BBC Children in Need

Pudsey Bear, iconic mascot of BBC Children in Need, set sail from Hamble today, 14 May 2026, as part of the crew sailing Round Britain aiming to raise in excess of £70,000 for the charity.

Pudsey is sailing aboard the J/160 yacht, Big Bear, with skipper Jonathan Brewin. He was inspired the fundraising efforts of others and set a target of £70,000 as a fulfilling way to mark his 70th birthday.

Jonathan Brewin is sailing under RORC colours and is former commodore of the Royal Bermuda YC and Bermuda Race chairman. The crew includes two veteran and three regular Club members. With others, they can count hundreds of RORC races, multiple Fastnet Races, a Round Britain Race. Also crewing Big Bear are two members of the International Association of Care Horners.

The 2,200 mile voyage will visit 35 ports in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, hosting Meet Pudsey Bear events and linking-up with individuals, organisations and projects that BBC Children in Need has funded.

Last year alone, BBC Children in Need supported 363,000 young people.  Its primary goal is to improve the lives of young people in every single nation of the UK. Mental health is the focus of BBC Children in Need in 2026.