Comic Relief may have set text msg world record

31/03/2009 - 09:46

Comic Relief supporters donated more than £7.8 million via text message, it has been revealed, potentially setting a new record.

Donation lines for the 2009 appeal, which close at midnight on Monday, have so far received 4.75 million messages that gave either £1 or £5 to the charity. For the first time all mobile operators waived their fees and the Treasury didn't take VAT from the donations.

During TV coverage of the appeal, and a documentary covering a group of celebrities climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the public were invited to give £5 by sending 'yes' to 66609.

Radio One asked listeners to donate £1 by texting 'climb' to 88808. DJs Chris Moyles and Fearne Cotton took part in the trek over the African mountain.

Trustee of Comic Relief Emma Freud said: "The extraordinary commitment of the mobile industry to this year's campaign has been astonishing, helping us to raise a staggering £7.8 million through mobile text donations. An outstanding success."

Organisers believe the amount donated by text could be a new record and have asked for verification from Guinness World Records.

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