A well-known celebrity is coming to the North East, as a BBC Children in Need challenge passes through the region.
Matt Baker MBE will ride across the nation with an incredible and inspirational team of young people, all of whom have been helped by BBC Children in Need-funded projects.
The team will take on a relay-style ride over five days, with each rider cycling a section of the journey, travelling through their hometowns and visiting places across the UK which hold a particular significance for them along the way
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The challenge will be taking place take place from 17 October to 21 October and will be broadcast in a documentary, The Rickshaw Relay Rides Again, airing on 15 November.
This one-off production will share the team's remarkable stories and celebrate the history of the beloved Children in Need staple, as well as work to raise money for life-changing projects.
The initial stage of the relay kicks off in Sunderland on Monday 17 October, with Matt Barker and Sunderland native Alexander Walker, 16, riding all the way to Durham.
Alexander was diagnosed with autism aged two, often struggling to connect with other people, and for a few years, he did not talk at all. However, Alexander was able to build new skills and increase his independence through help from local charities.
Grace House and Foundation of Light, both charities supported by BBC Children in Need funding, helped Alexander to build confidence and independent life skills through activities like sports sessions and youth groups.
About the challenge, Alexander said: “I’m so excited to be a part of this year’s Rickshaw Relay team, and to be starting at my beloved Sunderland AFC is like a dream come true.
"I can’t wait to head out on the road alongside Matt Baker and see all of the challenge’s supporters from the North East coming out on the road!"
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Matt Baker MBE, said: “I am so excited to get back on the road again. This is the highlight of my year and I can’t wait for you to meet this group of riders who all have their own inspiring stories to tell.
“We’d love to have your support on the road this year, but if you can’t make it please tune in and watch us on BBC Breakfast every morning, and when the documentary airs on 15th November."
Viewers will be able to follow the Rickshaw Relay on its journey via BBC Breakfast every morning, on @BBCBreakfast and @BBCCiN on social media and via the tracker: https://live.opentracking.co.uk/cin2022/.
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