Sara Cox has raised more than £7.5m for Children in Need during her 'Great Northern Marathon Challenge', it has been announced.
The 50-year-old, who presents Radio 2's weekday teatime show, finished her 135-mile trek at about 3.30pm on Friday (November 14), after covering the equivalent of five marathons in five days.
Carrying a Pudsey Bear backpack from Northumberland, through County Durham and North Yorkshire, and into West Yorkshire - Cox was cheered on by crowds as she delivered the bear to his namesake town in Leeds.
It was announced shortly after 4pm that the broadcaster has raised £7,651,855 so far, with donations still being accepted.
Earlier this week, as she passed through Cockfield in County Durham, Cox was brought to tears when she found out she had surpassed the £1 million mark.
She started her final day in Ripley early this morning, where she had just topped the £3 million point.
Just hours later it was revealed Cox had raised £6,045,049, at around 1pm.
Her BBC colleagues pushed her along, wishing her the best of luck throughout the journey.
Some even turned out to support her along the way - as presenter Gethan Jones surprised her in Winston, County Durham on Wednesday (November 10) - where a 40-tractor guard of honour lined the streets ahead of her arrival.
Radio 2 presenter Paddy McGuinness, who raised £10.3 million for Children in Need last year with a cycle challenge, previously told how he and the rest of the Radio 2 team would 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.”
The Prince William also praised the DJ, said: "You’ve done fantastically well, and the nation’s so proud of you.”
You can follow along for further updates on Sara's challenge on our live blog by clicking here.
- Celebration as BBC star completes 135-mile charity challenge, raising millions
- Sara Cox Children In Need challenge tops £4 million
- Crowds welcome BBC star as she crosses North Yorkshire border on charity challenge
The BBC’s annual Children In Need telethon starts on BBC iPlayer and BBC One at 7pm today (Friday, November 14).
The evening, hosted by Paddy McGuinness, Big Zuu, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay and Lenny Rush, will see performances from the likes of McFly singer Tom Fletcher and girl band Remember Monday, alongside sketches from BBC favourites including The Apprentice, EastEnders and Gladiators.
A camera crew has also been following Sara's journey, filming a documentary which will be available to watch on iPlayer from Wednesday (November 19).
Share