BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox has raised more than £4 million for Children in Need after completing one of the most demanding charity feats ever attempted by the network — a 135-mile “Great Northern Marathon Challenge” delivered over five days and across five gruelling marathon-length routes.
Cox, the popular host of Radio 2’s Teatime Show, set off from Kielder Forest earlier this week, travelling through Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire. With a Pudsey Bear backpack slung over her shoulders, she pushed through wind, rain and fatigue before reaching her final destination of Pudsey, Leeds, on Friday.
Her efforts drew national admiration — and even royal recognition.
A video message from the Prince of Wales, played on Scott Mills’ Radio 2 breakfast show, offered a warm tribute to Cox’s determination. “Sara, massive congratulations for what you’re doing,” Prince William said. “You’re so nearly there… I know the people of Pudsey will all come out and welcome you with huge open arms, big hugs, and hopefully, lots of your favourite crumpets. Keep going — the nation’s so proud of you.”
The scale of Cox’s achievement became clear when Trevor Nelson announced live on air on Thursday that donations had surged past £3 million, sending Cox into an emotional whirlwind. By Friday morning, the total had exceeded £4 million.
Calling the figure “incredible”, she paid tribute to the generosity of listeners: “Everybody just giving a fiver or a tenner did it — that is amazing. Thank you so much. Thanks to everybody who has donated, you’re absolutely awesome.”
Cox also spoke candidly about the encouragement she’d received, particularly from women. “We are not women of a certain vintage, we are not women of a certain age — we are women over 50,” she said. “It’s just the beginning when you get to 50. I’m loving being 50.”
During Thursday’s longest leg, she received a surprise call from her mother and sister, who were in India — a moment that offered a welcome emotional lift as the miles wore on.
The challenge is the longest ever undertaken by Radio 2 for Children in Need, adding a new chapter to the broadcaster’s long tradition of fundraising adventures.
The BBC’s annual Children in Need telethon will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7pm on Friday evening. Hosted by Paddy McGuinness, Big Zuu, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay and Lenny Rush, the night will feature performances from Tom Fletcher and Remember Monday, as well as special sketches from The Apprentice, EastEnders and Gladiators.
