Sara Cox completes Grueling Northern Marathon, Raises Over £7.6 Million for Children in Need
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Radio 2 presenter sara Cox completed a physically and emotionally demanding 137-mile marathon across Northern England on Friday, raising an impressive £7,651,855 for the BBC’s Children In Need charity – and the total is still rising. The five-day challenge, which saw Cox run, jog, and walk through Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire, culminated in a tearful finish line crossing in Pudsey, Leeds.
A Mammoth Effort for a Worthy Cause
Just hours before the annual Children In Need telethon is set to begin, Cox reached the end of her journey, greeted by keen supporters. “It’s just the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Cox shared, visibly moved.”I’ve never known pain like it but then I’ve never had eye contact with so many amazing women as I’ve run along. It just powered me on.”
The presenter described the overwhelming support she received throughout the challenge, recalling encounters with truck drivers, farmers, and children lining the route with homemade signs. “It’s just been the maddest, most painful, fantastic thing I’ve ever, ever done,” she saeid. The finish line in Pudsey held special significance, as it is the namesake of the charity’s beloved mascot bear.
Royal Encouragement and Personal Resilience
Cox’s determination was bolstered by a personal message from William, Prince of Wales, who praised her efforts in a video message aired on Radio 2. He commended Cox, saying, “Sara, massive congratulations for what you’re doing. You’re so nearly there… and I know the people of Pudsey will all come out and welcome you.”
Despite battling significant physical pain, particularly in her ankles and shins, Cox remained resolute. “I’m just in a lot of pain,” she admitted on radio 2.”But thank you to everyone who’s donated, an incredible amount of money has come in.” She noted that reaching the £6 million mark at a previous pit stop provided a crucial boost to her morale.
A Legacy of Support and Empowerment
The outpouring of support extended beyond the roadside. Cox shared a heartwarming moment when her mother and sister, calling from India, reached her during a stretch of the marathon. The challenge, which represents the longest ever undertaken by Radio 2 for Children In Need, has already exceeded expectations, surpassing £3 million in donations on Thursday.
Cox also used the platform to celebrate the strength and vitality of women over 50. “We are not women of a certain vintage, we are not women of a certain age, we are women over 50,” she declared. “It’s just the beginning when you get to 50, I’m loving being 50.”
The BBC’s Children In need fundraising spectacular will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One at 7pm on Friday, featuring performances by McFly’s Tom Fletcher, girl group Remember Monday, and comedic appearances from stars of The Apprentice, EastEnders, and Gladiators. The broadcast will be presented by Paddy McGuinness, Big Zuu, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, and Lenny Rush.
Fans took to social media to express their admiration, with one user calling Cox an “absolute LEGEND” and another praising her dedication, stating she “worked for every single one of those pennies.” Fellow radio host Vernon Kay simply wrote, “Mega!!” The funds raised will have a profound impact, changing the lives of countless children and young people and their families.
