BBC Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans has completed his four-nations cycling challenge, raising £3,349,220 for Children in Need. The Welsh broadcaster, 42, finished the five-day ride in Cardiff just after 11:00am, becoming emotional as he said: “I can’t believe I’m here.”
Journey Across Four Nations
Evans began his ride in Scotland, then continued through Northern Ireland, England and Wales. He was greeted by supporters and his husband, Arran Rees, with the couple embracing and sharing a kiss.
The presenter, whose bike was named Shania Chain, said: “Thank you so much everyone, from me and Shania. Honestly, this has felt so far away for such a long time. I can’t believe that I’m here with this welcome and the sun’s out!”
Messages of Support
Asked how he was feeling, Evans said: “Just reflecting on what it’s been like. We’re doing it all for an amazing cause, Children In Need. There are so many children who need our help and who will be helped by all the donations.”
Earlier, the Princess of Wales recorded a message in Welsh for Evans, which was played on BBC Radio 2. She said: “Bore da Owain. Mae’n Catherine. Rwyt ti’n gwneud mor dda. Dalia ati. Rwy’n dymuno’r gorau i ti gyd.” Translated to English, the message read: “Hi Owain, it’s Catherine, you’re doing so well. Keep going! Wishing you all the very best!”
Celebrity Encouragement
Queen drummer Roger Taylor also sent a message, saying: “Congratulations on your final day of an incredible challenge. As a fellow drummer, I know you’ll know this: the final song is the one that stays with everyone, the one that the crowd takes home and remembers.”
Shania Twain, the namesake of his bike, also offered support before the challenge began, saying: “Hi Owain, Shania Twain here! You’re about to take on an incredible challenge for BBC Children In Need, cycling 400 miles through all four nations. As you set off in Glasgow, I just want to say: ‘Let’s Go, Owain!’ We’ll be cheering you on all the way. Good luck!”
Background and Broadcast
Evans began his broadcasting career in Welsh-language television, presenting the children’s news programme Ffeil, before moving to weather presenting on BBC Wales Today. He started hosting BBC Radio 2’s Early Breakfast Show in 2023.
The three-hour Children In Need fundraising programme, hosted by Sara Cox, Alex Jones, Rylan Clark, Mel Giedroyc and Tyler West, will be broadcast live from Salford, featuring “dazzling performances, exclusive sketches and surprise appearances”. BBC Children In Need will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7pm on Friday.
