From Methody to Round Britain: Former Pupil Tim Jeffery as part of The Big Bear Voyage Team Has Raised Over £61,000 for BBC Children in Need

Earlier this summer, Methody Prep pupils had the chance to meet a very special visitor when Big Bear Voyage sailed into Belfast as part of an incredible 2,250-mile voyage around the UK in aid of BBC Children in Need.

At the heart of the Belfast visit was former Methody pupil Tim Jeffery (Class of ’74), who helped organise the Big Bear Voyage alongside skipper Jonathan Brewin and the crew and team.

Tim, who first learned to sail on Strangford Lough at the age of 14, has enjoyed a distinguished career in sailing. He was The Daily Telegraph’s yachting correspondent for many years and later played a significant role in modernising the America’s Cup with ORACLE Team USA, work which contributed to an Emmy Award and saw him take the America’s Cup trophy to the White House during President Obama’s administration.

When Big Bear Voyage arrived in Belfast in June, Tim and Jonathan were delighted to welcome Methody Prep 4 pupils, giving them the opportunity to meet the voyage’s most famous crew member – Pudsey Bear.

There was plenty of excitement, questions and smiles, with Pudsey proving to be a particular favourite!

The pupils enjoyed a fantastic visit, hearing about the challenges and adventures of sailing around Britain, life at sea and, most importantly, the reason behind the voyage – raising funds and awareness for BBC Children in Need. Former pupil and MLA Kate Nicholl also joined the visit and assisted in arranging a visit to Stormont.

During Pudsey's visit to Stormont, he signed the Visitors’ Book with Deputy Speaker John Blair.

The voyage also visited all four nations of the UK, including three capital cities – Belfast, Edinburgh and London – with some memorable moments along the way, from sailing beneath Tower Bridge and visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia to meeting the people and projects supported by BBC Children in Need.

An incredible journey around the UK. Since leaving Hamble on 14 May, Big Bear, Pudsey, Jonathan and the crew have travelled 2,250 miles, visiting 37 coastal communities across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland before returning safely to their home port at Universal Marina, Hamble, on 8 August.

Along the way, the team held more than 79 fundraising events, bringing Pudsey to sailing clubs, schools, museums, community centres, mental health projects and many other venues.

The voyage has also generated significant national attention, featuring on BBC television, local radio and in more than 60 newspaper and magazine articles, while its Facebook content has reached almost half a million views.

Most importantly, the adventure has raised more than £61,300 to date for BBC Children in Need, with the total expected to exceed £70,000 when Gift Aid is included.

For Tim, the voyage has brought together a lifelong love of sailing, his Methody roots and a cause close to his heart.

The Big Bear team set out with a simple belief: every child deserves to feel safe, supported and able to thrive. Their remarkable journey has helped raise vital funds and awareness for the work of BBC Children in Need, supporting children and young people facing challenges including mental health difficulties, poverty and family circumstances.

We were delighted that Tim’s journey brought him – and Pudsey – back to Belfast and that our Prep 4 pupils were able to play a small part in this extraordinary adventure.

Congratulations to Tim, Jonathan, Pudsey and the entire Big Bear team on an incredible achievement – and thank you for bringing a little bit of the voyage to Methody. ⛵🐻💙