Sara Cox begins BBC Children in Need challenge
Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox has started her five-day BBC Children in Need adventure from Kielder Forest, carrying a specially crafted Pudsey Bear backpack to Pudsey in Leeds by 14 November. The trek, named the Great Northern Marathon Challenge, will see her cover 135 miles across Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire — the longest journey in duration among all Radio 2 challenges.
Moving entirely on foot, Sara will walk and jog the whole way without any vehicle assistance, relying on determination and what she described as northern grit. Locals gathered in Kielder Forest Park to send her off, with music from Stuart Todd of the Morpeth Pipe Band and a ceremonial horn blown by Andrea Foote from the Morpeth Riding for the Disabled Association.
“I am going to be running when I can and then striding along. I may be occasionally stumbling, limping and weeping, but I’ll get my sorry self to Pudsey in Leeds on Friday.”
Speaking about her journey, she mentioned that the 270-gram Pudsey backpack had been outfitted with a rain mac to face the northern weather. Later, while chatting with Scott Mills on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, she said she felt more relaxed than she had been for weeks, adding that local supporters had gathered with banners and dogs, creating a warm, cheerful send-off atmosphere.
Author’s summary
Sara Cox has embarked on a 135-mile, five-day trek from Kielder Forest to Leeds for BBC Children in Need, carrying a Pudsey Bear backpack to support the cause with enthusiasm and humor.