BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox has triumphantly completed an extraordinary five-day charity challenge, walking 135 miles while raising an incredible more than £7 million for Children in Need.
The Gruelling Journey
The 50-year-old Teatime show host crossed the finish line in Pudsey, Leeds at approximately 3:30pm on Friday, having started her remarkable journey in Kielder Forest, Northumberland. Cox covered the equivalent of five marathons in just five days while carrying a Pudsey Bear backpack throughout her entire route.
Her challenging path took her through Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire, with Friday marking the final leg of what has become Radio 2's longest-ever challenge for the annual fundraiser. The DJ was greeted at the finish line by former Spice Girl Melanie C, who performed to celebrate Cox's incredible achievement.
Overwhelming Support and Royal Recognition
Cox received widespread support throughout her challenge, including a special video message from Prince William. In his message played on Scott Mills' breakfast show, the Prince of Wales said: "Sara, massive congratulations for what you're doing. You're so nearly there - just a little bit further and I know the people of Pudsey will all come out and welcome you with huge open arms."
Speaking to Scott Mills on Radio 2 after completing her challenge, an emotional Cox revealed: "It's just the hardest thing I've ever done - I've never known pain like it. But then, I've never had eye contact with so many amazing women who have just powered me on."
She particularly thanked the communities along her route, noting: "On the side of the road, in the driving rain, it was bitterly cold. The truck drivers honking their horns, the farmers stopping work just to come and say hi. Thanks to everybody who let me stop for a wee at their house - it was a few people."
Emotional Finish Line Celebrations
Upon completing her challenge in Pudsey, Cox declared: "That was the hardest thing I've ever done. Oh my gosh, I can't believe it... hello Yorkshire! I'm an honorary Yorkshirewoman now."
Melanie C, who welcomed Cox at the finish line, expressed her admiration: "It's like we're taking every step with her. I feel quite emotional already. This is incredible what she's achieved and I can't wait for her to cross that finish line."
The former Spice Girl added: "This is a testament to humans - we are all capable of so much more than we realise and Sara's our poster girl for that."
During her challenging journey, Cox even received an unexpected morale boost when her mother and sister called her from India as she passed a telephone box during Thursday's longest leg from Richmond to Ripley.
The funds raised through Cox's incredible effort will support the BBC's annual Children in Need telethon, which begins on BBC iPlayer and BBC One at 7pm on Friday, hosted by Paddy McGuinness, Big Zuu, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay and Lenny Rush.
