BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox has crossed the finish line after an epic five-day challenge, successfully walking 135 miles and raising an incredible more than £7 million for BBC Children in Need.
The Gruelling Five-Day Journey
The 50-year-old DJ, host of the station's Teatime show, embarked on her Great Northern Marathon Challenge from Kielder Forest in Northumberland. For five consecutive days, she covered the equivalent of five marathons, trekking through Durham, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire while carrying a Pudsey Bear backpack.
She completed her monumental journey in Pudsey, Leeds, at approximately 3:30 pm on Friday, where she was greeted by a cheering crowd and a special performance from former Spice Girl, Melanie C.
'The Hardest Thing I've Ever Done'
An emotional Cox described the immense physical toll of the challenge immediately after finishing. "That was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it … hello Yorkshire! I’m an honorary Yorkshirewoman now," she declared.
Speaking later to Scott Mills on Radio 2, she elaborated on the pain and the public support that kept her going. "It’s just the hardest thing I’ve ever done – I’ve never known pain like it," Cox revealed. "But then, I’ve never had eye contact with so many amazing women who have just powered me on. On the side of the road, in the driving rain, it was bitterly cold. The truck drivers honking their horns, the farmers stopping work just to come and say hi."
Royal and Celebrity Support
The challenge captured the nation's attention, drawing messages of support from high-profile figures. In a video message played on air, The Prince of Wales offered his encouragement.
"Sara, massive congratulations for what you’re doing. You’re so nearly there – just a little bit further and I know the people of Pudsey will all come out and welcome you with huge open arms, big hugs and, hopefully, lots of your favourite crumpets," said Prince William. "Keep going – you’ve done fantastically well and the nation’s so proud of you."
Melanie C, who performed at the finish line, expressed her admiration, stating, "It’s incredible what she’s achieved... this is a testament to humans – we are all capable of so much more than we realise and Sara’s our poster girl for that."
This mammoth effort marks the longest challenge ever undertaken by a Radio 2 presenter for the annual Children in Need appeal. The funds raised will support disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.
