After an exhausting week, BBC DJ Sara Cox crossed the finish line of her extraordinary five-day Children in Need marathon challenge and raised a staggering amount for the charity.
The Radio 2 host covered 135 miles across the north of England, finally crossing the finish line in Pudsey, West Yorkshire, on Friday (November 14), shortly after 3.30pm.
She was welcomed by roars of cheers, emotional hugs and a celebratory broadcast live on air, as she delivered Pudsey to his hometown.
During the BBC Children in Need telethon later that night, she was asked how she was holding up by host Paddy McGuinness. The 50-year-old said the challenge had been "the most amazing, painful and wonderful few days" of her life.
During the show, it was also revealed that her fundraising soared, jumping from early-week six figures to a final total of £9,523,023 by the end of the fifth day.
Cox set off on her journey Monday (November 10) morning in Kielder Forest in Northumberland, battling the bitter cold.
She pushed through the long, exposed stretches of moorland, covering remote forest tracks and roads flanked by fields. She kept going each day, with the Pudsey Bear backpack strapped firmly to her shoulders.
Speaking live to BBC Radio 2 at her Hexham finish on day one, Sara said: "Done in but very happy, amazing.
"I've just run an ultramarathon, I've done over 26 miles! I want to dedicate it to every child that has been helped by the Children in Need projects."
The weekday teatime show host delighted punters in The Travellers Rest, in Slaley, Northumberland, on Tuesday (November 11) morning when she popped in for a quick pit stop.
Children along the roadsides donned their own little Pudsey Bear ears and sang as she approached.
In Wolsingham, crowds gathered to chant her name as she finished day two.
Sara passed through Cockfield and Staindrop on Wednesday (November 12) and marked the halfway point of her trek.
In Cockfield, the presenter was told that she had surpassed the £1 million mark and was brought to tears.
Lynne Smith, from Hamsterley, turned out to support in Staindrop. The 64-year-old said: "It's a great cause Children in Need, so I think it's wonderful what she is doing.
"She's great and this is an incredible thing. What better way to spend a Wednesday?"
Later that day, farmers lined the route into Winston with tractors decked out for her arrival. Their headlights flashed, horns blared and hand-drawn messaged greeted her.
Fellow BBC presenter Gethan Jones also surprised his colleague at John Dickinson's haulage yard.
By Thursday (November 13), her fatigue was evident as she limped over the fourth-day finish line in Richmond.
Crowds turned out to cheer for her arrival, as she struggled through the final push of the day.
The Prince of Wales also shared his congratulations earlier in the day, after it was announced she had topped £4 million when she reached the rolling hills of North Yorkshire.
The momentum of the crowds - donations pouring in, messages on social media, and in-person support - was what kept her going into the final day. She said on air that she felt "boosted" when donations reached the £6 million mark.
On Friday (November 14), the end was finally in reach. Sara made her way into West Yorkshire for the final few miles of her challenge as the crowds grew thicker.
She made her way over the finish line, where she crumpled into a hug with family before being ushered onto the live broadcast.
Her first words on BBC Radio 2 after crossing the finish line were: "I can't believe it, oh my gosh. That was the hardest thing I've ever done.
"I'm an honorary Yorkshire woman now!"
Later in the evening, she appeared on the Children in Need telethon, where she was told of the staggering total amount she’d raised – £9,523,028 - as more than £2 million was added after her big finish.
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Confetti fell over Sara's shoulders as she held her hand over her face in shock. She said a "massive thank you" to her supporters on air.
She added: "There’s a lot of bad stuff that goes on in the world, but Children in Need reminds you that there’s more good."
A camera crew also followed Sara's journey, creating a documentary which will be available to watch on iPlayer from Wednesday (November 19).
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