BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox was overcome with emotion on Friday as she completed an epic five-day running challenge, raising a staggering £7,651,855 for BBC Children In Need.
The Northern Marathon Challenge
The 50-year-old broadcaster traversed 137 miles across Northern England, running, jogging, and walking through the counties of Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire. Her mammoth effort concluded just hours before the BBC's annual telethon began, with a heartfelt welcome from cheering crowds in Pudsey, Leeds – the town that gives the charity's iconic bear mascot its name.
"It’s just the hardest thing I’ve ever done," an emotional Cox confessed at the finish line. "I’ve never known pain like it but then I’ve never had eye contact with so many amazing women as I’ve run along. It just powered me on."
Overwhelming Public Support
Cox described being moved by the immense public support she received throughout her journey, even in challenging weather conditions. "At the side of the road, in the driving rain, it was bitterly cold, it was wet and filthy and just so many people came out," she said. "The truck drivers honking their horns, the farmers stopping work to come and say hi. The kids by the side of the road. Loads of homemade signs [...] It’s just been the maddest, most painful, wonderful thing I’ve ever, ever done."
She specifically highlighted the encouragement from women over 50, stating, "We are not women of a certain vintage, we are not women of a certain age, we are women over 50. It's just the beginning when you get to 50, I'm loving being 50."
Royal Recognition and National Acclaim
The challenge was not without its physical toll. Cox admitted to being "in a lot of pain" with battered and swollen ankles and shins. However, her spirits were lifted by a surprise video message from the Prince of Wales. "Sara, massive congratulations for what you're doing," Prince William said in the message aired on Scott Mills' Radio 2 show. "You're so nearly there... Keep going, you've done fantastically well, and the nation's so proud of you."
Fans and colleagues flooded social media with praise. Fellow Radio 2 host Vernon Kay called the achievement "Mega!!", while one supporter declared Cox an "Absolute LEGEND!!!".
When the final fundraising total was revealed, Cox's reaction was one of pure joy and gratitude. "Amazing. That is incredible," she said. "That will change so many lives. So many children’s lives. So many young people’s lives and their families as well, so thank you so much." The total is expected to rise further following the main Children In Need broadcast.
This marks the longest challenge ever undertaken by a Radio 2 presenter for the annual fundraiser, a true testament to Sara Cox's determination and the generosity of the British public.
