Sara Cox completes marathon challenge and raises over £7m for Children in Need | Children in Need
BBC presenter Sara Cox has completed the challenge to travel 135 miles in five days, which has raised more than £7 million for the Children in Need charity.
The 50-year-old, who presents Radio 2’s Tea Time program on weekdays, crossed the finish line for the great northern marathon challenge at around 3.30pm on Friday afternoon, after covering the equivalent of five marathons in five days, where she was greeted by a performance from former Spice Girl Melanie C.
Carrying a Pudsey Bear backpack, the DJ took in Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire on his journey.
He received numerous messages of support from famous faces, including the Prince of Wales.
Starting from Kielder Forest, Northumberland, and crossing the finish line in Pudsey, Leeds, Cox said: “This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Oh my God, I can’t believe it… hello Yorkshire!
“I am now an honorary Yorkshirewoman.”
This challenge is Radio 2’s longest running challenge as part of its annual fundraiser.
Speaking to Scott Mills at the station, he said: “This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done; I’ve never seen pain like this before.
“But I never made eye contact with such a wonderful woman who had just excited me.
“It was very cold on the roadside, in the pouring rain. Truck drivers were honking their horns, and farmers were stopping their work to come and say hello.
“Thanks to everyone who let me stay at their house for a while; it was just a few people.”
In a video message from Prince William, which Mills played on his breakfast show, he said: “Sara, huge congratulations on what you’ve done.
“You’re so close there; just a little bit further and I know the people of Pudsey will come out and welcome you with wide open arms, big hugs and hopefully your favorite scones.
“Keep going; you’ve done extraordinarily well and the country is proud of you.”
Melanie C said: “It’s like we’re taking it every step of the way. I’m feeling pretty emotional already.
“And yes, I think this is one of them… it’s incredible what he’s accomplished and I can’t wait to see him cross the finish line.
“Could Sporty have done this? I’d like to think so, but I’m not sure… it’s a testament to humans that we’re all capable of so much more than we think, and Sara is our poster girl.”
Cox revealed that while passing a phone booth on the longest leg from Richmond to Ripley on Thursday, he received a call from his mother and sister in India.
The BBC’s annual Children in Need campaign starts on Friday at 7pm on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
Hosted by Paddy McGuinness, Big Zuu, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay and Lenny Rush, the night will see performances from artists including McFly singer Tom Fletcher and girl group Remember Monday, as well as sketches from The Apprentice, EastEnders and Gladiators.
