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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Rick Fulton

Sophie Wallace launches STV Children's Appeal

STV News presenter Sophie Wallace was just 14 years old when the broadcaster’s Children’s Appeal launched in 2011.

As the annual fundraiser celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with the 10xChallenge, the telly anchor knows exactly how she would have got involved a decade ago – in a snooze-a-thon.

Sophie, from Falkirk, who turned 24 earlier this month, said: “I was 14 when the STV Children’s Appeal was launched. If 14-year-old Sophie was taking on a 10xChallenge, she would have thrown herself right into a 10-day snooze-a-thon. I was a typical teenager who loved to sleep.”

Her Plan B would have been taken on from a sofa.

Sophie said: “My friends and I would have got together and tried a 10-hour binge watch of our favourite TV show at the time, Pretty Little Liars. I don’t think that would have taken that much convincing to be honest. I’m pretty sure we did that most weekends anyway.”

Sophie and STV weather forecaster Sean Batty were joined yesterday by 10-year-olds for a joint birthday celebration and to announce the 10xChallenge, sponsored by Tunnock’s.

It calls on the nation to take part in their own challenges inspired by the No10 over 10 days from September 10.

Ex-Kingdom FM journalist Sophie, who joined STV in 2019, is thrilled to be joining in with the STV Children’s Appeal.

She and Sean visited Baltic Street Adventure Playground in Dalmarnock, in the east end of Glasgow, to see where the money raised by the STV Children’s Appeal ends up.

The playground was created in response to the lack of play space and out-of-school provision for children in the community.

She said: “I’ve grown up watching the amazing work it does for children in communities throughout Scotland.

“The appeal’s charity partners need our help now more than ever, and that’s why I’m super-excited to be taking on my 10xChallenge and raising lots of cash for such an important cause.”

To mark a decade of supporting young people affected by poverty in Scotland, Sophie’s challenge will be to try out 10 very different occupations.

Meanwhile, Sean – who has been the face of the appeal since it began – will take part in a 10K.

Since it was launched, the appeal has raised more than £25million and made over 2000 awards to projects across
all 32 local authority areas in Scotland.

Sean, 39, from Paisley, said: “Where have the last 10 years gone? I’ve been involved with the STV Children’s Appeal right from the very start and I’m constantly humbled by the incredible stories of the lives it has helped turn around across the country.

“Child poverty is still a major issue and the pandemic has only exacerbated it. I’m looking forward to slipping on my running shoes and joining the appeal’s many generous supporters in doing our bit to change kids’ lives.”

Helping them launch the 10th birthday challenge were six children who are also celebrating their 10th birthday this year – Maya and Sophia Barcella, Lily Stevenson, Sam Couper, Jonah McGinnis and Robbie Sawatzky.

Celebrities have also pledged their help. World record-holding cyclist Mark Beaumont will run a 10K accompanied by his daughter Harriet, eight, on her bike, while comedian Janey Godley will take part in a 10-day social media voiceover challenge.

The STV Children’s Appeal was launched by STV and The Hunter Foundation to improve the lives of the one in four children who live in poverty in Scotland.

Through fundraisers and an annual telethon hosted by trustee Lorraine Kelly, it has helped provide food and warm clothing, created opportunities for training and employability, and enabled social and emotional support.

● The STV Children’s Appeal’s 10xChallenge takes place between September 10 and 19. Visit stv.tv/appeal to sign up and download a 10xChallenge pack with tips and ideas for fundraising.

Twins run dad out the Park

Twins Maya and Sophia Barcella will each run a 10k for the 10xChallenge.

The 10-year-olds, from Lanarkshire, were encouraged to run by their dad and dream of becoming olympians.

Maya said: “My dad took me to Parkrun and challenged me to beat him. My time improved each week and now he can’t keep up with me.

“I’ve watched the olympics and I love running, cycling and swimming so my favourite event is the triathlon. I’d love to take part in one.”

Sophia added: “It’s important to support the StV children’s Appeal. the money raised can make a real difference to kids’ lives.”

Fellow 10-year-old Lily Stevenson will read 10 books in 10 days, Sam Couper will cycle 10 laps around a reservoir, Jonah McGinnis will hit a crossbar 10 times in a row with a football while Robbie Sawatzky will swim 10 lengths of a pool.

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