BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox has finished her gruelling 135-mile challenge in five days, raising over £9.5 million for Children in Need. The 50-year-old DJ crossed the finish line in Pudsey, West Yorkshire, at around 3:30pm on Friday, after running the equivalent of five marathons from Kielder Forest in Northumberland.
Carrying a Pudsey Bear backpack, Cox received messages of support from celebrities including the Prince of Wales, who said in a video message: 'Sara, massive congratulations for what you’re doing. You’re so nearly there – just a little bit further.' Former Spice Girl Melanie C greeted her at the finish line, performing and praising her achievement.
Cox described the challenge as 'the hardest thing I’ve ever done,' adding: 'I’ve never known pain like it. But then, I’ve never had eye contact with so many amazing women who have just powered me on.' She thanked supporters who cheered her on in the rain and even let her use their toilets.
The fundraiser is the longest challenge undertaken by Radio 2 for the annual appeal. By Friday evening, Cox had raised £9,523,028. The BBC’s Children in Need telethon, hosted by Paddy McGuinness and others, featured performances and sketches, raising a total of £45,507,536 for the charity this year.
