Communities across Cambridgeshire have been fundraising for Children in Need 2023.  

Families and childcare workers in Ely got together yesterday (Thursday) at Treetops Soft Play in Ely to fundraise for the cause.  

Over 50 children attended the event.  

Treetops management generously donated the entry fees to Children In Need 2023 and the raffle alone raised over £275.  

The event was organised by Sue Smith, who has also arranged online raffles of Gary Barlow themed items to raise funds.  

Ely Standard: Families and childcare workers from across Ely got together for a Children In Need 2023 event at Treetops Soft Play in Ely.Families and childcare workers from across Ely got together for a Children In Need 2023 event at Treetops Soft Play in Ely. (Image: Sue Smith)She said: “I am so very grateful for the generosity of so many people. 

“[These include] Adam who opened his doors at Treetops and donated all the entry monies taken this morning and business owners and shops of Ely who as always are so generous in their donations of raffle prizes.  

“My heartfelt thanks to childminders, parents, grandparents and friends who bought their children to enjoy our morning, showing their support, wearing their spots and making a difference to those children less fortunate.” 

Ely Standard: The raffle alone at the Treetops Soft Play Ely event raised over £275.The raffle alone at the Treetops Soft Play Ely event raised over £275. (Image: Sue Smith)In total, her Children In Need 2023 fundraising efforts have raised £2,595 so far.  

The online raffles will remain open until December and more information is available on her Facebook page “Sues Children In Need Raffle 2023”.  

The Children In Need 2023 live show will be aired tonight (Friday) on BBC ONE from 7pm. 

School children have been taking part in their own fundraising efforts throughout the day with non-uniform days, dressing up and sponsored challenges.  

Ely Standard: Buddy, 10, and Bonnie Muholland, 8, who attend Swavesey Primary School.Buddy, 10, and Bonnie Muholland, 8, who attend Swavesey Primary School. (Image: Kirsty Wilson)Buddy, 10, and Bonnie Muholland, 8, who attend Swavesey Primary School, went to town with their Pudsey Bear themed outfits.  

Matilda, 6, attends Ely St John's Community Primary School. 

Ely Standard: Matilda, 6, attends Ely St John's Community Primary School.Matilda, 6, attends Ely St John's Community Primary School. (Image: Vickie Jameson)Instead of the usual school uniform, she wore Pudsey Bear ears and t-shirt.  

Not everyone chose a traditional Children In Need outfit.  

Caitlin, who is in Year 6 at Little Paxton Primary School, handed over her £1 donation dressed as a cow with a big long fluffy tail.  

“She had to be different,” mum Louise Blissett joked.   

Send us photographs of your little ones raising funds for Children In Need. Email louise.hepburn@newsquest.co.uk. 

Ely Standard: Caitlin Blissett, who is in Year 6 at Little Paxton Primary School.Caitlin Blissett, who is in Year 6 at Little Paxton Primary School. (Image: Louise Blissett)

Ely Standard: Childcare workers came together at Treetops Soft Play in Ely for their annual Children In Need event.Childcare workers came together at Treetops Soft Play in Ely for their annual Children In Need event. (Image: Sue Smith)