BBC weatherman Owain Wyn Evans was surprised by being presented with a ‘Special Recognition Award’ live on air yesterday.
During an appearance on BBC North West Tonight, the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Diane Hawkins DL, spent most of her time on the show discussing with newsreader and presenter Roger Johnson her role getting to choose who is honoured with ‘Young Citizen Awards’ in our region each year.
The award was created to recognise young people who have done good things in their communities, and the High Sheriff explained how the search was currently on for this year’s winners.
But that wasn’t all she was there for.
The High Sheriff explained that she is also responsible for choosing who is awarded ‘Special Recognition Awards’, and so, just before she left, presenter Roger Johnson called over the show’s weatherman Owain Wyn Evans to join them on the red sofa, where the High Sheriff presented him with the honour.
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“That’s incredible, I am so honoured,” an emotional Owain said.
Owain was awarded the ‘Special Recognition Award’ for completing his 24-hour ‘drumathon’ for Children in Need last month, and also for LGBTQ Representation.
As well as being seen live on air as the show went out, the video of the presentation of the award has also been watched hundreds of thousands of times since being shared on BBC NWT’s social media pages, with many congratulating Owain on his achievements in the comments and sending their well-wishes.
In case you missed it, weatherman and resident drummer Owain smashed his fundraising target after completing his 24-hour ‘drumathon’ for Children In Need.
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Owain’s 24-hours of drumming officially began on BBC Breakfast on Friday 12 November at 8:35am, and was streamed live on BBC iPlayer for the full duration, before ending at the same time the following day on Saturday 13 November.
He managed to continue for the full 24 hours, and only paused for breaks, and to seek some medical attention for injuries that had developed from the persistent playing.
Throughout the 24-hours, Owain was was joined by musicians from around the UK in every genre of music, and one of the most memorable moments from the ‘drumathon’ had to be when Owain and 50 guest drummers recreated his viral rendition of the BBC News theme that took social media by storm during lockdown in 2020.
Owain said he believes his fundraising total could be nearing £3.8 million now.
So honoured to have received the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester’s Special Recognition Award for the Drumathon and LGBTQ Representation… live on air!! 💕 😭 😮 Just unbelievable ❤️ @BBCNWTpic.twitter.com/Yq2traHOr8
After completing the challenge at the studios in Salford, an emotional Owain said: “I’m feeling overwhelmed, people have been so generous [and] surprisingly, my hand held up OK but we had some problems with my arms because they’ve been moving for 24 hours.
“Thank you so much to everyone who has put your hands in your pocket and donated, BBC Children In Need helps causes which are really close to my heart.”
Owain spoke ahead of the challenge about what drumming has done for him growing up, explaining: “Over the years it’s helped me so much, it eases my anxiety and brings me so much joy [and] that’s why I’ve accepted this mammoth challenge [as] I want to help change the perception of who can be a drummer, and support all of the amazing charities and groups that BBC Children in Need helps.
“I’ve learned first hand how BBC Children in Need helps children and young people across the UK from a range of different backgrounds and identities.”
You can still donate to the BBC Breakfast Drumathon for Children In Need here.
Featured Image – BBC North West Tonight
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BBC needs adventurous Mancs to take part in next series of Race Across the World
Emily Sergeant
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? This might just be your calling then.
The BBC is currently casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show is currently airing to thousands of viewers each week, but with the next series now in the works, producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea – and that includes Greater Manchester residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic Mancs are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
BBC is looking for Mancs to take part in next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, “the physical journey is only half of the story”.
That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.
Applications for the massively-popular show are now open / Credit: BBC
“Maybe you’re looking to change something in your life? Or are keen to share the journey with someone special like a family member, best friend, or someone you’ve lost touch with. You may even have a very personal reason for wanting to travel at this time in your life or explore a particular part of the world.”
Fancy it then?
Applications for the third series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 6 July 2025, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
Patrice Evra issues passionate plea to Manchester United as he must miss the Europa League final
Danny Jones
Ex-Manchester United star Patrice Evra has issued a passionate appeal to his old club ahead of the Europa League final, as he reluctantly prepares to miss the game.
Evra, 44, has remained an avid Man United fan even since he left the club back in 2014 and doesn’t miss a game if he can, often lending his punditry services to the likes of Sky Sports of TNT Sports.
However, despite the biggest game of their season coming up this Wednesday, 20 May, the Frenchman has been forced to skip the match due to a recent bereavement.
Nevertheless, Evra has taken time to issue a rallying cry to Ruben Amorim and his Red Devils, urging them to “be United” and “fight” just like his loved one.
As explained in the short video, the retired left-back’s sister recently passed away at just 56 after a long battle with cancer.
Visibly emotional but determined in the clip, Evra starts by sharing his “positive energy” before trying to inject some defiance.
Noting that his sibling fought for her life for more than two decades, he goes on to add, “That’s what I want from you [United players and fans] tomorrow: just fight — bleed for this shirt, for the fans, the staff, for the people of Manchester.”
Stating that there is “no excuse” for failure and that winning their first European trophy in seven years is their “duty”, he called on the team to channel the commitment and dedication of those travelling from all over the world to see them take on Spurs in Bilbao.
As for the former French international himself, he will be making his return to sport only in an entirely different arena, with a combat sports debut coming very soon.
Wait until you see who he called out… To be fair, I think we’d prefer to watch the Evra fight even more than the Europa League final.
While the comments underneath the post are obviously filled with lots of condolences for his loss, lots of supporters are also taking further faith and motivation from his competitive spirit.
It’s a big game for the club and so many across Greater Manchester; you only have to glance at social media to sense the palpable tension. For instance, if you’re a Red, you don’t want to scroll past the video down below.
Go on then – do you think United are going to do it?
Emily Sergeant -
21st December 2021 
