BBC Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans has revealed a knee injury live on air during the second day of his five-day Children in Need challenge. Appearing on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday, November 10, the Welsh presenter spoke to Jon Kay and Emma Vardy about the condition of his legs after a steep climb the previous night.
Knee injury disclosed during live interview
Asked by Emma how his legs were holding up, Owain said: "Aw listen, receiving you loud and clear. The legs are alright, Emma. I have got a bit of a dodgy knee today. This happened last night, because we did a really steep climb just before we got to the ferry port. We're actually on one of our climbs today now, the first of the really long climbs. So, the legs are okay, but at the moment, the knee, actually, the knee is not okay."
Jon responded with a concerned "Oh no," before asking whether the knee was causing pain. Owain replied: "Um I think, I'm the definition, Jon, of all the gear, no idea, you know. So, it kind of looks okay, looks good, but I'm just trying to get through this. It's a 400 mile challenge, which is a lot for someone like myself, who hadn't cycled, like I was saying to you both yesterday morning, since I was 14. Yeah, we're getting there."
Challenge route and fundraising context
Owain's five-day challenge began in Glasgow and is due to finish in his homeland of Cardiff on Friday, November 13, covering almost 400 miles. The route takes in Scotland's dramatic coastline, Northern Ireland's green landscapes, the wild weather of the North West of England, and the rolling hills of Wales.
He follows in the footsteps of BBC Radio 2 colleague Sara Cox, who last year completed the equivalent of five marathons in five days as part of her Great Northern Run for Children in Need. In 2021, Owain completed a 24-hour drumathon for the charity, raising more than £3.8 million.
Support from fans and outlook
Discussing the encouragement he has received along the route, Owain said: "Aw the support, Emma, has been amazing. People are passing, people have been listening to Radio 2 and hearing us, and beeping as they come past. Yesterday, there were just so many people out wishing us well, and also, texting into Radio 2 and donating as well. That's what keeps you going, and of course, [is] why we're doing it. Children in Need is an amazing charity, we're so lucky to have it."
Given the distance of the ride, Owain said he anticipates "the injuries to start piling up", though he is hoping for dry conditions to lift his morale. Supporters have also sent messages on social media, with one Instagram user writing: "So much respect for this man," and another commenting: "Yayyy go Owain [clapping emojis] you'll smash today as well. Have fun." A third said: "You can do this Owain. Good luck and may the wind be behind you to help you up those hills."
BBC Children in Need will air at 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer on Friday, November 13, while BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am.
