Our History

How it all began

Comic Relief was launched from a refugee camp in Sudan on Christmas Day in 1985, live on BBC One. At that time, a devastating famine was crippling Ethiopia and something had to be done. That something was Comic Relief.

The idea was simple – Comic Relief would get a whole bunch of much-loved British comedians to make the public laugh while they raised money to help people in desperate need.

As well as doing something about the very real and direct emergency in Ethiopia, Comic Relief was determined to help tackle the broader needs of poor and disadvantaged people in Africa and at home in the UK.

Red Nose Day arrives

It all began with a few live events and, before too long, Red Nose Day was created. The first ever Red Nose Day in 1988 took the nation by storm – bringing together comedy and charity like never before on live national TV. It raised a staggering £15m.

The money raised by all Red Nose Days since has helped, and is helping, to support people and communities in dire need both in the UK and Africa.

Sport Relief kicks off

In December 2001, Comic Relief launched a second major fundraising campaign – Sport Relief – which takes place in alternate years with Red Nose Day. The idea is that everyone gets active, raises cash and helps to change lives.

At the heart of the Sport Relief campaign sits the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile where men, women and kids across the land take to the streets to complete 1, 3 or 6 miles – all to fundraise and make a big difference at home and abroad.

Comic Relief spends the money raised to make a difference to the lives of poor and disadvantaged people in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries.

Others we’ve helped to help others

As we’ve grown over the years we’ve also lent a touch of expertise here and a bit of clout there to other organisations who are also working hard to help transform the lives of disadvantaged people across the world.

Comic Relief has been instrumental in many projects and campaigns from Make Poverty History and Live8 to America Gives Back and the United Against Malaria coalition.

What we’ve raised and how it’s helped

Since 1985, Comic Relief has raised over £900 million to tackle poverty and social injustice across the UK, Africa and some of the world’s poorest countries.

It’s thanks to the public’s amazing fundraising for Red Nose Day and Sport Relief, as well as astounding support from our friends and partners, that we’ve been able to do this.

Over the years, our cash in Africa has educated people about HIV and AIDS and taught women to read. It has helped street children from Bangladesh to Brazil and supported communities affected by terrible conflict and natural disasters.

Across the UK it has helped disabled people challenge discrimination, provided escapes routes for women living with domestic violence and done much more.

And this is just for starters.

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