Miranda star Sarah Hadland hails Sport Relief heroes

Plea: actress Sarah Hadland called on people to donate
Nigel Howard

Sarah Hadland has hailed all those taking part in a Sport Relief challenge this weekend as heroes.

The actress, 44, best known for playing Stevie in BBC comedy Miranda, said there needed to be more people in the world like those who had signed up, adding that it was humbling to hear how many had got involved.

She said: “People getting involved are brilliant. They are real heroes. We need more people who are willing to do something different and something they are maybe not that good at or not confident in to be selfless and raise money for those in need.

“Sport Relief isn’t about celebrities doing big challenges, it is about normal people doing heroic things for others.

"Seeing families and friends coming together and doing a Sport Relief challenge is heartwarming.”

Pupils and staff at Fielding primary school, who are playing a 12-hour football match to raise funds
Alex Lentati

Hadland, who has taken part in challenges for Sport Relief and Comic Relief, called on Londoners to dig deep this weekend.

She suggested commuters could give up their morning coffee and donate to the cause instead. “It is about looking at the bigger picture and realising how it can help,” she said. “A bit of money can make a huge difference as people have really hard lives.”

The actress, who has starred in films including Quantum Of Solace, added: “For those doing a challenge it is a real incentive to see people show their support by giving money.

"It’s sometimes hard when you see big totals to realise it’s small donations that have added up. It is cheesy, but a little bit can mean a lot.”

Hadland said she supported Sport Relief because of the work it did at home and abroad, adding that a recent trip to Uganda with Miranda Hart for the charity left a lasting impression.

Davina McCall also thanked those taking part this weekend. The presenter, 48, who is hosting tonight’s Sport Relief show with Claudia Winkleman and John Bishop, said: “I want to thank everyone at the Standard and its readers for their support.

“We can be so self-involved sometimes. But there are others that need our help too, so anyone who does that in my mind is a hero.”

McCall, who raised £2 million in 2014 running, swimming and cycling from Edinburgh to London, offered some words of wisdom for those challenging themselves this weekend.

“If you are struggling, think about the feeling of crossing the finish line,” she said. “There is no better feeling in the world than that.”

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