The Princess of Wales has sent a message of support in Welsh to broadcaster Owain Wyn Evans on the final day of his four-nation cycling challenge for Children In Need.
Evans, 42, is taking part in a five-day cycle ride through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales, finishing in Cardiff on Friday. Kate appeared on BBC Radio 2 on Friday morning to wish him well, speaking in his native Welsh.
Her message, translated to English, said: “Hi Owain, it’s Catherine, you’re doing so well. Keep going! Wishing you all the very best!”
Fundraising reaches £2.9 million
By Friday morning, Evans’ challenge had raised £2.9 million for Children In Need.
Earlier in the show, Evans received a message of support from Queen drummer Roger Taylor, who said: “Hi Owain, this is Roger Taylor here. 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. So, one more day, Owain, and one more song, you’re doing so well. Dig deep. And I’m going to say: Don’t Stop Me Now, remember that. Look out for a Queen festive treat on Monday. Good luck!”
On hearing the message, Evans said: “Oh my gosh and he… he said my name, do you know what I mean? Roger Taylor!”
Bike named Shania Chain
The presenter’s bike was named Shania Chain, with other suggestions from BBC Radio 2 listeners including Áine Bike, Britney Gears and Kylie Spinogue.
Shania Twain was so impressed that the bike had been named after her that she sent Evans a message of good luck before he began the challenge. She said: “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!”
Evans began his broadcasting career in Welsh-language television when he presented the children’s news programme Ffeil. He later presented the weather on BBC Wales Today and began hosting BBC Radio 2’s Early Breakfast Show in 2023.
Children In Need show details
The three-hour Children In Need fundraising programme will be broadcast live from Salford, featuring “dazzling performances, exclusive sketches and surprise appearances”.
The show will include a return of the Children In Need choir, and will showcase inspiring stories from children and young people across the UK to highlight the impact of the charity. It will be hosted by Cox, The One Show’s Alex Jones and presenters Rylan Clark, Mel Giedroyc and Tyler West.
BBC Children In Need will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7pm on Friday.
