Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox has officially completed one of the most astonishing physical and emotional challenges in BBC history — running 135 miles across five brutal days — and raised a staggering £9.5 million for Children in Need.
The 50-year-old DJ crossed the finish line in Pudsey, West Yorkshire at around 3.30pm on Friday, bursting into tears as she was greeted by a cheering crowd and a live performance from Melanie C. Carrying her now-iconic Pudsey Bear backpack, Sara had travelled from Kielder Forest in Northumberland through Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire, collecting messages of encouragement from stars including the Prince of Wales.
The moment she reached the end, Sara gasped that it was the hardest thing she had ever endured. She said she couldn’t believe she’d done it and laughed through tears, calling out: “Hello Yorkshire! I’m an honorary Yorkshirewoman now.”
Speaking to Scott Mills shortly after, she admitted: “It’s just the hardest thing I’ve ever done – I’ve never known pain like it. But I’ve also never had eye contact with so many incredible women powering me on. In the driving rain, bitter cold, truck drivers honking, farmers stopping work just to say hello. And thank you to everyone who let me stop for a wee in their house — there were a few!”
By Friday evening, her fundraising total had hit £9,523,028, leaving Sara admitting she was an “absolute wreck” during the live appeal show. She described her mood as “changing every three or four seconds” and said the emotional rollercoaster was overwhelming.
Prince William’s personal video message — which Scott Mills played on his breakfast show — left Sara visibly shaken. William said: “Sara, massive congratulations for what you’re doing. You’re so nearly there — the people of Pudsey will welcome you with huge open arms, big hugs and hopefully lots of your favourite crumpets.”
Sporty Spice Melanie C also praised her, saying it felt like “we’re taking every step with her” and calling Sara a shining example of what humans can accomplish. “Could Sporty have done it? I’d like to think so, but I’m not sure… Sara’s our poster girl for pushing beyond what we think is possible.”
During Thursday’s longest and most punishing stretch from Richmond to Ripley, Sara even received a surprise phone call from her mum and sister in India as she paused next to a red phone box.
The Children in Need telethon kicked off at 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer, hosted by Paddy McGuinness, Big Zuu, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay and Lenny Rush. Performances from Tom Fletcher and Remember Monday lit up the night, alongside sketches from EastEnders, The Apprentice and Gladiators.
By the end of the live show, Children in Need confirmed that £45,507,536 had been raised this year.
Mel Giedroyc summed up the spirit of the night simply: “We are so grateful for your support.”
