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It’s that time of year when we all put on a colourful Red Nose to raise money for Comic Relief to help people across the UK and around the world. For some of us, it is just a day of fun, but for others it’s a lifetime commitment. For one man from Putney, south west London, it’s the latter.
Andy Green, 27, has made it his mission to collect every single Red Nose that has ever been made in Comic Relief history. Having grown up with Red Nose Day, Andy knows the difference donations can make. After taking part in dress down days at school in aid of Comic Relief, when he went to university Andy started supporting the charity’s efforts in a different way – by collecting the various, vibrant noses.
Since 2013, Andy’s collection has grown from one Red Nose to 71. He is just missing a rare Red Nose from 2015 and remains on the lookout to get the final piece of the puzzle. Not only that, but every year since Andy has gone one step further – from shaving his hair off to holding online quizzes, all to help others.
Andy said: “I grew up with Red Nose Day throughout school and have always watched the night of entertainment, it has made me realise just how much difference can be made by doing something, no matter what you do. My something is collecting the Red Noses – it’s fun for me but I also know it is helping others. Everyone deserves to be given a chance in life and it's inevitable that everybody will need support at some point in their life.
“I particularly find it important that Comic Relief is focusing on supporting organisations that provide mental health support. Now that donations are also going towards supporting those affected in Ukraine I want to do as much as possible, so I am also holding an online quiz which anybody can take part in and donate just £1.”
This year to raise money for Red Nose Day, Andy is hosting a charity quiz. He plans to involve his colleagues at Nando’s, where he works as a service desk analyst, and is inviting others across the nation to take part via his online livestream on YouTube. He has also organized a charity raffle where for £1 bids, one lucky winner will walk away with an iPhone XR with DBrand Matrix Skin.
Money raised by Red Nose Day will help people in the UK and around the world live free from poverty, violence and discrimination, and support people with their mental health. Donations will also help to fund organisations providing essential support for people in Ukraine affected by the terrifying conflict and those attempting to cross the border to safety.
Samir Patel, Chief Executive of Comic Relief, said: “What’s so special about Red Nose Day is that it brings people from all over the UK together to make a big difference. We are so thankful for the incredible support from our fundraisers because whatever you do, big or small, helps people live free from poverty, violence and discrimination.
“This includes funding organisations that are supporting people right now in Ukraine, and on the borders. So whether you buy a Red Nose, bake cakes, smash a challenge or simply pick up the phone to donate, you have the power to change lives across the world and in the UK.”
