BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox left viewers emotionally overwhelmed during a Children in Need special, where she broke down while discussing the family tragedy that motivated her incredible fundraising challenge.
A Brother's Legacy
In heart-wrenching scenes broadcast on Wednesday, November 19, Cox became tearful as she spoke about her brother David Cox, who died suddenly in 2019 at age 56. "My brother David died really suddenly in 2019, and it really completely destroyed all the family," she shared. "He was a real athlete, he ran countless Iron Man competitions."
David's unexpected passing occurred just weeks before Christmas due to an undiagnosed underlying heart condition. Sara revealed that the loss continues to influence everything she does, and she drew strength from his memory during her gruelling challenge.
The Great Northern Marathon Challenge
The emotional documentary followed Cox's remarkable 135-mile Great Northern Marathon Challenge - five marathons in five days - from Kielder Forest to Pudsey. The Radio 2 host battled harsh conditions, excruciating shin pain, and complete exhaustion throughout the journey undertaken for this year's Children in Need appeal.
During one break, she dedicated her efforts to children facing mobility issues, stating: "This is for all the children who walk funny or have wonky legs and get picked on like I did in school."
Overwhelming Public Response
Viewers witnessed touching moments as Cox embraced well-wishers along the route and highlighted stories of youngsters benefiting from the charity, including Austin, who lives with Muscular Dystrophy. The documentary revealed she had never completed more than 5km before this challenge but received support from Olympian Greg Whyte and standby physiotherapists.
Scenes showed masses gathering along pavements throughout Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire, cheering her forward with homemade banners and Pudsey bears. Celebrity encouragement flooded in from Prince William, Mel C, Dame Judi Dench, Ant & Dec and Rod Stewart.
When she finally reached the finishing line in Pudsey, she was greeted by roaring fans, a performance from Mel C, and a display from the Red Arrows - having raised an incredible more than £9.5 million for Children in Need.
