Vicky Pattison has revealed she is nursing injuries as she prepares to begin a 250-mile charity challenge from Newcastle to London. The I’m A Celebrity winner, 38, spoke to Good Morning Britain hosts Ed Balls and Susanna Reid ahead of the first day of her ‘Tyne to Thames’ challenge, which starts today, Monday 5 October.
Injuries before the start
Speaking about the challenge, which involves running, cycling and kayaking over five days in aid of Global’s Make Some Noise, Pattison admitted: “I’m very scared!” She added: “I am travelling 250 miles over different principles, I’ll be riding my bike, running and kayaking. None of those three are my favourite, if I’m honest.”
Having not been on a bike in a decade, she said she had already suffered a nasty injury. She explained: “I did a spicy charity challenge ten years ago, and it was tough going on my undercarriage, it was 100 miles over two days, and there’s a sensation I won’t forget.”
Training setbacks and nerves
Pattison went on: “I have been training, I’ll show you my battle wounds. I did manage to come straight off over the top of my handle bars, so it’s not looking good! I’ve got some real nerves about it all but I’m trying to stay positive!”
She added: “In terms of kayaking, I haven’t done it enough to know if I’m any good. I can’t imagine trying to battle my way along the Tyne if this wind is anything to go by… I think they’re all going to be hard! I’m not full of confidence here!”
Support from followers
Ahead of the challenge, Pattison had shared her nerves on social media, writing: “Well here goes nothing... it is the night before my biggest challenge ever and to say I'm nervous would be an understatement!!” She continued: “My mind is spinning, wishing I'd done more, not had that nasty fall... there's even a tiny voice saying I shouldn't have agreed to this outrageously huge challenge.”
She added: “But then I think about all of the amazing small charities up and down the country that @globals_make_some_noise helps.. charities that rely on their vital funding to help support people facing homelessness, poverty, mental health and disability... and I think.. no matter how hard this is, how uncomfortable, how scary.. i'm doing the right thing.”
Followers responded with messages of encouragement, with one writing: “We will be thinking of you Vicky! We know you will smash it. Best of luck.” Another said: “Good luck Vicky you are amazing!” while a third wrote: “Good Luck Vicky! You’re going to smash it - you’re amazing!! you’ve got this girl!” Others added: “You’re gonna smash it I’m so so proud of you!! Absolute superstar” and “You are going to do amazing!”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
