Sara Cox Raises £9.5m Running 135 Miles for Children in Need
Sara Cox Finishes Grueling five-Marathon Challenge, raises Over £9.5 Million for Children in Need
Sara Cox has completed a monumental five-marathon challenge for BBC children in Need, raising an extraordinary £9,523,028 by Friday evening. The Radio 2 presenter undertook the grueling feat as part of the annual fundraiser, pushing herself to the limit across Yorkshire.
Cox described the challenge as “the hardest thing I’ve ever done – I’ve never known pain like it,” but was buoyed by the support she received along the route. “I’ve never had eye contact with so many amazing women who have just powered me on,” she told Scott Mills on Radio 2. She also expressed gratitude for the kindness of strangers, noting the support of truck drivers, farmers, and those who allowed her to use their facilities.
The presenter, who declared herself “an honorary Yorkshirewoman now,” experienced a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the challenge, stating she was an ”absolute wreck” during the appeal show. Prince William sent a video message of encouragement, saying, “Sara, massive congratulations for what you’re doing… Keep going - you’ve done fantastically well and the nation’s so proud of you.”
Melanie C, also known as Sporty Spice, remarked on Cox’s achievement, saying, “It’s like we’re taking every step with her… this is a testament to humans – we are all capable of so much more then we realize and Sara’s our poster girl for that.” Cox received a call from family in India during a particularly long leg of the journey.
As of the end of the live appeal show on Friday, BBC Children in Need has raised a total of £45,507,536.The evening telethon, starting at 7pm on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, was hosted by Paddy mcguinness, Big Zuu, Mel giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay and Lenny Rush, and featured performances from Tom Fletcher of mcfly and the band Remember Monday, alongside sketches from The Apprentice, EastEnders, and Gladiators.