Trending

Owain Wyn Evans presented with ‘Special Recognition Award’ after his 24-hour drumathon raises over £3m

The BBC weatherman was presented with the 'Special Recognition Award' by the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester.

Emily Sergeant - 21st December 2021

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.

“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.

Read more: BBC weatherman Owain Wyn Evans is doing a 24-hour ‘drumathon’ for Children In Need

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.

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.

Read more: BBC weatherman Owain Wyn Evans’ 24-hour ‘drumathon’ smashes £2.5m fundraising target

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