The Telegraphs yearly christmas-time phone-in brought together media-savvy folks and paper writers for a heart-warming day of fund-raising. Anneka Rice joined forces with Telegraph columnists Allison Pearson and Charles Moore to answer non-stop calls during an 8-hour marathon event
The family of David Knowles – a much-loved Telegraph journalist who passed away this fall at 32 (known for his work on Ukraine: The Latest podcast) helped manage incoming calls; his co-host Francis Dearnley was there too. The paper teamed up with Humanity & Inclusion charity which helps disabled people in war zones to honor Knowles memory
Its been lovely to feel weʼre helping out. Quite a few of the callers said they had read about David and that they were sorry for our loss
The phone-in supported multiple causes:
- Teenage Cancer Trust helping young people fight cancer
- Alzheimers Research UK working on finding cure
- Army Benevolent Fund supporting military families
- Humanity & Inclusion aiding disabled people in conflicts
By evening time readers donations hit £70‚072.55 (including one persons generous £4‚000 gift); many callers also shared kind words about Pearson following her recent police inquiry thats now been dropped