Vicky Pattison has set off on a gruelling charity endurance challenge that will take her from the Tyne to the Thames. The 38-year-old will cycle, run and kayak over 250 miles to raise money for Global's Make Some Noise.
The charity funds vital, life-changing projects across the UK, delivered by small, local charities. Ahead of beginning the five-day adventure on October 5, Vicky admitted she had already suffered an injury, although she had thankfully recovered in time.
A 'spicy' bike fall
"I fell off my bike last week, I've just recovered from that, that was a bit spicy," she told Jamie Theakston and Vogue Williams on the Heart Radio Breakfast Show.
She also admitted she is "scared of everything" and had been trying to settle her nerves ahead of the gruelling challenge.
"I've never liked running, no, it's hard and then I haven't kayaked enough to know if I like it or not so honestly lass, I'm screwed! Ignorant is bliss isn't it," she added, before joking she is "screwed".
Battle wounds and training
The former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star shared more about her nasty bike fall on Good Morning Britain. Speaking to hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls, she showed off her "battle wounds", which sparked concern from the presenters.
"I did manage to come straight off over the top of my handle bars, so it's not looking good!," she shared. "I've got some real nerves about it all but I'm trying to stay positive!"
To build up her strength and stamina for the challenge, Vicky said she had been heading out for bike rides and runs, as well as stepping up her training with her personal trainer.
Route and motivation
To keep herself motivated, she said she had been reminding herself why she signed up in the first place, while reflecting on the difficult circumstances faced by people across the UK.
Addressing her appearance on Heart, she added: "I'm knocking on 40, Vogue, so I had to get my glam on this morning," adding she might resemble "a naked mole rat" by the end - but wanted to begin the challenge looking "too glam to give a damn".
Vicky will travel from her home city through York, Sheffield, Nottingham and Leicester, eventually arriving at Heart HQ in Leicester Square this Friday. Along the way, she will cross 39 counties and two rivers.
She said: "Anyone who knows me knows I'm at my happiest on the sofa, in my comfies, with my dogs, so this is quite literally the opposite of my usual idea of a good time!
"I'm under no illusion that this is going to be tough and there will absolutely be moments where I'm wondering why I've done this to myself. But that's the whole point.
"Global's Make Some Noise supports these incredible projects, led by small, local charities doing life-changing work, and if I can push myself completely out of my comfort zone, get a few blisters and hopefully raise a load of money along the way, then I'll consider every ache, mile and paddle absolutely worth it," she added.
