BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox has moved viewers to tears after completing an extraordinary 135-mile running challenge for Children In Need, revealing the deeply personal tragedy that motivated her throughout the gruelling five-day endeavour.
The Emotional Inspiration Behind the Challenge
The 50-year-old broadcaster undertook what she called the Great Northern Marathon Challenge, running five marathons in five consecutive days across northern England. Her incredible efforts resulted in raising a staggering £10,169,084 for the beloved children's charity.
In a deeply moving documentary that aired on BBC One titled Sara Cox: Every Step of the Way for Children In Need, Cox opened up about the family tragedy that inspired her to take on this mammoth physical test. Her brother David died suddenly in 2019, an event that she said "completely destroyed all the family" as it "came out of nowhere."
"He was a real athlete," Cox shared emotionally. "He ran countless iron man competitions - he was proper. I don't think he'd be able to believe I'm doing this, I think he'd be super proud. I'm hoping that I've just got a bit of strength from him today."
The Gruelling Journey and Royal Support
The documentary followed Cox's journey through Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire, where she carried a Pudsey Bear backpack throughout her epic run. She crossed the finish line in Pudsey, West Yorkshire on Friday, completing her charity mission.
During the challenge, Cox received support from unexpected quarters, including Prince William, who recorded a special video message played on her Radio 2 breakfast show. The future king offered words of encouragement, saying: "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."
Other public figures including Stormzy also showed their support for the DJ's remarkable efforts.
Overcoming Physical Challenges and Emotional Moments
Speaking on the Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Scott Mills, Cox admitted the challenge proved more difficult than she had anticipated. "It was a lot tougher than I ever expected and the recovery was much tougher," she confessed. "I don't know what I was thinking. I was thinking 'oh I will get home and Saturday and Sunday I will probably just take the dogs for a gentle walk'. I can't really walk!"
The physical toll was evident when Mills noted his heart "broke" for her upon seeing her wearing Crocs after completing the challenge. Cox explained: "I had to put the Crocs on and even that was a squeeze. I had to really wrestle my Crocs on because my feet have a lot of fluid on them."
Music helped push her through the pain, with Cox particularly thanking Chase and Status and Stormzy for their song 'Backbone'. She did however apologise to her son for her "cringe" singing that featured in the documentary.
The emotional weight of the challenge became overwhelming at times, with Cox breaking down in tears while listening to audio recordings of families sharing their personal stories of how Children In Need had supported them.
Viewers took to social media to express their admiration, with one fan writing: "I have always admired #Saracox. But this really is just simply amazing." Another commented: "14 minutes in and already bawling Sara Cox: Every Step Of The Way. Amazing lady."
Reflecting on the incredible £10 million raised, Cox dedicated the achievement to "every child that's been helped by a Children In Need project" and to "any child who's been teased for having wonky legs or walking or running funny. Like I always was at school."
