BBC Children In Need chairman resigns after injuring cyclist in Buckinghamshire
Terry Duddy is stepping down after being convicted of careless driving.
The chairman of BBC Children In Need has resigned after being convicted of causing serious injury to a cyclist in a crash in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire.
Terrence, known as Terry, Duddy was sentenced on 13th November for the offence of causing serious injury by careless and inconsiderate driving.
The crash happened on 21st June when Duddy struck a cyclist, a woman in her fifties, as he turned right off the high street in Chalfont St Giles.
The cyclist, who had right of way, sustained serious injuries that Thames Valley Police said have had a “life-changing impact.”
Duddy, 69, of Nightingales Lane, Chalfont St Giles, was sentenced to eight months in custody, suspended for 18 months.
He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, pay costs totalling £272, and was disqualified from driving for 18 months.
On 18th November, Duddy offered his resignation as chairman of BBC Children In Need, just a month after taking up the role.
The charity said: “On Tuesday November 18, our new chair Terry Duddy informed us that he had been convicted last week of causing serious injury through careless driving.
“In light of this he offered his resignation, which the board accepted, agreeing he could not continue in this role.”
James Fairclough, who has been a trustee since 2021, has now taken over as chairman.
Duddy joined the charity’s board of trustees as chairman on 21st October, with the organisation praising his governance and leadership experience at the time.
BBC Children In Need recently raised over £45 million during its annual appeal show on Friday.
In its statement, the charity reiterated its focus is on helping children and young people thrive.