A BBC radio presenter is starting her gruelling journey to tackle five marathons in five days through County Durham today.
Sara Cox's 'Great Northern Marathon Challenge' involved covering the distance on foot through four counties, all while carrying a Pudsey Bear backpack for Children in Need.
Cox will run, jog and walk through the sweeping moorlands and rolling hills of Durham, North Yorkshire, Northumberland and West Yorkshire, starting from Kielder Forest today (November 10) and, aptly, ending in Pudsey, Leeds, on Friday (November 14).
Cox, who presents Radio 2’s weekday teatime show, previously said: “When they picked me to get Pudsey to Pudsey, I was honoured and horrified in equal measure.
“We’re talking 135 miles of hills, moors and blisters – but I am ready for the challenge, and I will absolutely be giving it everything I’ve got.
"I know the brilliant Radio 2 listeners will be with me every step of the way, and their encouragement and support will shove me up every incline and pull me through my toughest moments.
“Pudsey has been part of Children in Need for 40 years this year, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by helping raise much-needed funds for children who need it most.”
This feat is Radio 2’s longest-ever challenge by duration, and Cox’s fellow presenters are offering her support and motivation during their shows as well as sharing messages from listeners and guests.
Cameras will follow her along the journey, creating an hour-long broadcast which will be available to watch on iPlayer next Wednesday, November 19, showing her push to cross the finish line.
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Radio 2 presenter Paddy McGuinness, who raised £10.3 million for Children in Need last year with his cycle challenge, previously told how he and the rest of the Radio 2 team will be 'supporting her every step of the way', especially up the tough hills.
Tommy Nagra, director of content at BBC Children in Need, added: “Sara’s inspiring challenge will help make a real difference in the lives of children and young people across the UK who are facing incredibly tough circumstances.
“Right now, the need for support is greater than ever – but thanks to the generosity of the public, and the unwavering kindness of Radio 2 listeners, we can continue to be there for hundreds of thousands of children when they need us most.”
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