Vicky Pattison has begun the Tyne to Thames challenge, a 250-mile journey from Newcastle to London involving cycling, running and kayaking, in aid of Global's Make Some Noise. The 38-year-old revealed she had fallen off her bike during training but had recovered from the accident before setting off on October 5.
Fears ahead of the challenge
Speaking to Jamie Theakston and Vogue Williams on the Heart Radio Breakfast Show, the presenter from Newcastle was asked which part of the challenge she was most nervous about. "I'm scared of everything," she shared. Reflecting on her training, she continued: "I fell off my bike last week, I've just recovered from that, that was a bit spicy."
"I've never liked running, no, it's hard and then I haven't kayaked enough to know if I like it or not so honestly lass, I'm screwed! Ignorant is bliss isn't it," she added.
Training and motivation
Asked if she had undertaken any training, Vicky said she had been "trying really hard" to improve her cardio and strength. To prepare, she had been taking part in bike rides and running, as well as completing other exercises with the help of her trainer.
Discussing her fears, she said: "I made my peace with it a couple of weeks ago when the nerves were starting to creep in. I was realising that, potentially, I had under estimated this challenge because I had been so keen to do some good and take on one of these challenges for Global's Make Some Noise."
While the challenge will last five days for Vicky, she said she had been reminding herself that it was all for a good cause and that those in need of help face difficult circumstances every day. Global's Make Some Noise funds vital, life-changing projects across the UK, delivered by small, local charities.
"There are people out there that Global's Make Some Noise charities help vitally fund, they help all the time and their lives aren't great, they are struggling and they do need help, that's what I'm using as my motivation," she continued.
Glam and battle wounds
Discussing her appearance ahead of setting off, she joked: "I'm knocking on 40 Vogue so I had to get my glam on this morning. I thought I could look like a naked mole rat for the rest of this, but at least I'm going to start off with 'too glam to give a damn'."
Ahead of her appearance on Heart Radio, Vicky also spoke to Ed Balls and Susanna Reid on Good Morning Britain about the challenge. Reflecting on her bike accident, she showed the hosts the wounds she suffered during the fall.
"I'll show you my battle wounds. I did manage to come straight off over the top of my handle bars, so it's not looking good!," she shared. "I've got some real nerves about it all but I'm trying to stay positive!"
