Obituary: Sir Terry Wogan
Howard Lake | 31 January 2016 | News
Sir Terry Wogan, broadcaster and presenter of BBC Children in Need’s TV fundraising campaigns since they began in 1980, has died aged 77 “after a short but brave battle with cancer” according to his family.
He missed only one BBC Children in Need campaign, in November 2015, due to ill health. Presenter Dermot O’Leary, who stepped in for him then, today said:
“Sir Terry. Just the most warm hearted, generous, funny, clever, life affirming man. Part of the foundations of @BBCRadio2 so very sad.”
Since the first major appeal in 1980, BBC Children in Need has raised a total of over £780 million. The 2015 campaign has so far raised a record £37,100,687.
The charity’s Chief Executive David Ramsden today said:
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“Sir Terry Wogan has been at the heart of the Charity for over 30 years raising millions to change the lives of children. We have lost a wonderful friend and we will miss him so much. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Sir Terry has always been at the heart of the Charity, we will miss him so much. Our thoughts are with family. https://t.co/Nn4RrveVyz
— BBC Children in Need (@BBCCiN) January 31, 2016
Many of Wogan’s army of fans, the TOGs (Terry’s Old Geezers and Gals), took part in fundraising for BBC Children in Need and other charitable causes.
Wow!! the couple on @BBCBreakfast raised £5.5m for @BBCCiN inspired by #SirTerryWogan amazing people! #fundraising #TOGS
— Kate Carroll (she/her) (@katercarroll) February 1, 2016
Other individuals and organisations paid tribute to Sir Terry today, including:
RIP sir Terry Wogan. Cancer I am coming for you 🚴💨🏃😡
— Jonjo Heuerman BEM BCyA (@JonjoHeuerman) January 31, 2016
No no no! #terrywogan the sound of my childhood & the gent who helped raise thousands for @ACF_UK . What a guy. pic.twitter.com/QxTJS5zPrC
— caroline dyer (@CazDyerlogue) January 31, 2016
Feeling of the day across the country. Terry Wogan will always be in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/gd93QbBd0h
— Luke (@lopwert) January 31, 2016
https://twitter.com/mac_celebteam/status/693724028180262912
Such sad news.
Sir Terry leaves an incredible legacy of helping those most in need. https://t.co/Qm3GGUYNSj— Comic Relief (@comicrelief) January 31, 2016
@Telegraph cartoon – One for Old Tel. rest in peace. #TerryWogan pic.twitter.com/23MXRxXvXC
— Bob Moran (@bobscartoons) January 31, 2016
Thank you for being our friend. #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/t1EqZbyAP7
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) January 31, 2016
More of Sir Terry’s impact
- BBC Children in Need in 1998
- BBC Children in Need raises £17.1 million by 2am, £1.1 million online in 2004
- Children in Need offer Tiny Terry desktop buddy in 2005
- BBC Radio 2 listeners raise £1,869,394 for BBC Children in Need in 2009
- BBC Children in Need raises £26m on the night in 2011
- BBC Children in Need raises £32.6m in 2014
About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale.
He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.