ITV Telethon

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The ITV Telethons were three charity telethons organised and televised in the UK by the ITV network. They took place in 1988, 1990 and 1992. Each lasted for 27 hours and all were hosted by Michael Aspel.

The ITV Telethon originated from the 10-hour 'Thames Telethon', which ran in the London ITV region only, on October 2, 1980. Thames broadcast another Telethon in 1985.

The US-style continuous broadcast raised £1.25 million, and was considered such a success that a 27-hour marathon was broadcast across the entire network in 1988, involving participation and input from all of the regional broadcasters around the country.

A further two ITV Telethons followed in 1990 and 1992, the latter raising £15m. Michael Aspel was the frontman for all three.

Telethon has helped thousands of charities in the UK Many local TV stations like TVS and TSW contributed from company profits. In the TVS region alone the TVS Trust donated £1 Million pounds from its own chatiry the TVS Trust in 1990.

The Telethons were not only based in london but went regional to studios all over the country. From STV in scotland to Anglia TV in the East, TSW in the West and not to mention TVS in the south, who's inserts where voted best on the network.