In December 2025, The Telegraph raised £125,000 during the charity phone-in day – it says a new record, thanks to the generosity of its readers. Columnists Richard Madeley and Allison Pearson, along with a host of Telegraph staff, including Editor Chris Evans, Cartoonist Matt Pritchett, and Associate Editors Camilla Tominey and Gordon Rayner, took hundreds of calls over the eight hours the lines were open.
The appeal supported four charities: The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association, who fund research, improve care and provide support for people with MND, their families and carers; Prostate Cancer Research, whose focus is on delivering innovative solutions and improving quality of life for patients, families, and communities affected by prostate cancer; Canine Partners who transform the lives of people with physical disabilities by partnering them with assistance dogs and other highly trained dogs; and The Not Forgotten, a charity supporting veterans living with injury, illness & isolation.
The Telegraph’s Puzzles Editor, Chris Lancaster, was diagnosed with MND in November 2023. “Motor Neurone Disease Association has been a massive help to me over the last 20 months or so since I was diagnosed,” he said.
The Telegraph says Chris’ colleagues from The Telegraph’s Puzzles team dedicated a special Saturday Prize Cryptic Crossword to him within this campaign.
Throughout the Christmas period The Telegraph shared stories of those who have been supported by each charity.
Chris Evans, editor of The Telegraph, said: “I’d like to thank our readers for their generous donations to our Christmas Charity Appeal, which will make a huge difference to the lives of so many. It is a privilege to shine a light on these charities that are doing such important work."
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