Comic Relief’s corporate partners raised more than half of the telethon event’s on the night total this year.

Wile £34m was raised this year, with £19.9m from the event’s partners.

The largest contribution was £9.1m from the Sainsbury’s Group, while Amazon raised £2.2m, TK Maxx and Homesense raised £1.5m and Omaze £4.1m.

Meanwhile, fundraising by British Airways totalled £1.5m, Holland & Barret, and Maltersers both donated £500,000, Babybel’s contribution was £150,000 and the Lego Group raised £225,000.

“Comic Relief’s work truly wouldn’t be possible without the support of its amazing partners who have once again gone to wonderful lengths to support Red Nose Day,” said event organisers.

This year’s on the night total was £4m down on the previous year when £38.6m was raised.
While last year’s total had been £6.6m up on the previous year the event’s on the night fundraising totals have been declining in recent years.

This winter was the first time when a dedicated match funding campaign raised more than such established events.

Big Give’s The Christmas Challenge, which involves philanthropic funding from corporate partners and grant makers, raised £44.7m this winter.

This Christmas Challenge fundraiser raised £6.1m more than last year’s Comic Relief on the night total and more than £10m above Friday’s event, which was also a celebration of 40 years of the comedy themed fundraiser.

Comic Relief said it “has been blown away by the unwavering support of the nation – including countless communities, schools, nurseries, workplaces, families and partners – who have once again gone above and beyond to do something funny for money and help raise vital funds to support millions of people who are being forced to make impossible choices every single day”.

It added: “The money raised will reach fantastic organisations who are delivering vital work to tackle some of the most urgent problems facing people here in the UK and across the world – including providing food, essential healthcare, safe shelter and so much more.”

This year celebrity presenters included Davina McCall, Rylan Clark, Joel Dommett and Tom Allen.

The event also included sketches based on BBC shows and performances from among others the Sugababes, as well as films “highlighting incredible and inspiring stories of the people supported” by Comic Relief in the UK and globally.

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