Moment BBC weatherman Owain Wyn Evans is left speechless as he learns his 24-hour 'drumathon' raised £3MILLION for Children In Need

 BBC weatherman Owain Wyn Evans was left speechless after learning his 24-hour 'drumathon' has raised more than £3million for Children In Need

The Welsh broadcaster began his gruelling challenge on the BBC Breakfast show on Friday at 8.35am, drumming through the day and night and completing the fundraiser early on Saturday morning. 

The fundraiser, which featured special appearances from the Royal Marine drumming band and members of the BBC Philharmonic, was streamed live on BBC iPlayer. 

BBC weatherman Owain Wyn Evans was left speechless after learning his 24-hour 'drumathon' has raised more than £3million for Children In Need

 BBC weatherman Owain Wyn Evans was left speechless after learning his 24-hour 'drumathon' has raised more than £3million for Children In Need

The Welsh broadcaster began his gruelling challenge on the BBC Breakfast show on Friday at 8.35am, drumming through the day and night and completing the fundraiser early on Saturday

The Welsh broadcaster began his gruelling challenge on the BBC Breakfast show on Friday at 8.35am, drumming through the day and night and completing the fundraiser early on Saturday

On BBC Breakfast today, Owain was emotional as he learned he has raised more than £3million so far. Pictured, the current fundraiser total

On BBC Breakfast today, Owain was emotional as he learned he has raised more than £3million so far. Pictured, the current fundraiser totalOn BBC Breakfast today, Owain was emotional as he learned he has raised more than £3million so far. 

'That's so many fivers, that's so many people texting in or going on the website and giving what they can,' he said, after initially covering his mouth in shock. 

'It's going to change lives. It's going to change countless lives across the UK. Thank you to everyone across the UK. Wherever you are, there are children and young people who will benefit from this.' Evans, who presents for BBC's North West Tonight, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Breakfast, first shot to fame during lockdown after a video of him drumming along to the broadcaster's theme song went viral. 

Ahead of the challenge, the weatherman explained how drumming was a release for him as a young gay man growing up in Ammanford, Wales.

Ahead of the challenge, the weatherman explained how drumming was a release for him as a young gay man growing up in Ammanford, Wales. Pictured, on BBC Breakfast today

Ahead of the challenge, the weatherman explained how drumming was a release for him as a young gay man growing up in Ammanford, Wales. Pictured, on BBC Breakfast today

The weatherman, who presented and drummed throughout the whole event, briefly paused for breaks and for some medical attention to tend to injuries that had developed from the persistent drumming. Pictured, Evans on BBC Breakfast today

The weatherman, who presented and drummed throughout the whole event, briefly paused for breaks and for some medical attention to tend to injuries that had developed from the persistent drumming. Pictured, Evans on BBC Breakfast today

He went back home to talk with his parents about his childhood, and to visit the town's BBC Children In Need-funded youth theatre group and LGBTQIA safe space, Mess Up The Mess.

During the challenge, he was joined by famous drummers including McFly's Harry Judd, Pulp's Nick Banks, Cherisse Osei from Simple Minds, Steve White from Style Council, Frank Benbini of Fun Lovin' Criminals and percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie.

Comedian Al Murray, actor John Thomson and amateur drummers and enthusiasts aged from eight to 83 also took part. 

Evans was also joined virtually by a host of celebrity guests throughout the event, including Blondie's Clem Burke, Iron Maiden's Nicko McBrain, Formula One's Eddie Jordan, TV presenter Charley Boorman and Joe Black from Ru Paul's Drag Race.

Evans, who presents for BBC's North West Tonight, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Breakfast, first shot to fame during lockdown after a video of him drumming along to the broadcaster's theme song went viral

Evans, who presents for BBC's North West Tonight, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Breakfast, first shot to fame during lockdown after a video of him drumming along to the broadcaster's theme song went viral

A highlight of the event on Friday evening saw the weatherman joined by 50 fellow drummers to perform a rendition of the BBC theme tune. 

The weatherman, who presented and drummed throughout the whole event, briefly paused for breaks and for some medical attention to tend to injuries that had developed from the persistent drumming.

After completing the challenge, Evans said: I'm feeling overwhelmed, people have been so generous.

'I can't believe it's over, surprisingly my hands have held up okay but we've had some problems with my arms because they've been moving for 24 hours,

'Thank you so much to everyone who has donated, BBC Children In Need helps causes which are really close to my heart.' 

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