Children in Need boss quits after crashing his BMW into cyclist

The BBC’s head of Children in Need has resigned from her post just weeks after she was sentenced to prison for hitting a cyclist.

Terrence Duddy, known as Terry, hit a cyclist with his BMW in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, on June 21, causing him to fall off his bike and sustain serious injuries.

Duddy took up his post at the BBC charity on October 21 but has now resigned after being convicted of causing serious injury by careless and reckless driving.

Thames Valley Police said the incident had a “life-changing impact” on the woman, who is in her fifties. Duddy had the right of way when he turned right on main street and hit her.

Police said Duddy, 69, of Chalfont St Giles, was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months, 200 hours of unpaid work, costs totaling £272 and disqualified from driving for 18 months on November 13.

BBC Children In Need said in a statement: “On Tuesday 18 November, our new chairman, Terry Duddy, informed us that he had been convicted of causing serious injury by careless driving last week.

“In light of this, he offered his resignation, which the board accepted, recognizing that he could not continue in this role.”

The charity said it had succeeded James Fairclough, who has been on the board of trustees since 2021, as chairman.

“We continue to focus on helping children and youth thrive,” the statement said.

Duddy joined Children In Need’s board of trustees as president on October 21. On his appointment, the charity said Duddy “brings a strong commitment to supporting children and young people, as well as a wealth of management and leadership experience across both the charitable and commercial sectors.”

Children In Need has raised more than £45 million following its annual appeal on Friday.