By Katherine Turner
Radio 2 DJ Sara Cox is set to take part in a marathon challenge to get Pudsey Bear to Pudsey – and raise money for Children in Need at the same time.
Each year the BBC hosts the Children in Need fundraiser with Pudsey Bear as its mascot. Last year they raised an astonishing £52 million.
Radio 2 presenters have been completing outstanding challenges since 2019 – last year was the turn of Paddy McGuinness, who raised almost £9 million for the charity.
This year is the turn of much-loved host of Radio 2’s Teatime Show Sara Cox to take on the challenge of a lifetime. This was announced this week during Scott Mills’ breakfast show on Radio 2.
Sarah will be enduring a five-day mission to “Get Pudsey to Pudsey.” Running five marathons over five days, Sara will start her challenge in Kielder Forest, covering 135 miles on foot across four counties – Northumberland, Durham, North and West Yorkshire.
She will finish the challenge on Friday, 14 November in Pudsey.
Sara Cox 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!
“Just like with Vernon and Paddy, 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 challenge will certainly put Pudsey on the map. More information will be shared regarding the exact finish point, nearer the time.
Sara is expected to arrive in Pudsey in the afternoon of Friday, 14 November and will be encouraged to succeed by the support of the local community.
Listeners will be encouraged to take on their own walking or running challenges to support BBC Children in Need – asking themselves, “how far will you go for Pudsey?” Whether it’s a school mile, a park jog or a moorland hike, everyone is invited to get moving. Challenge yourself to help make life lighter for children and sign up at bbc.co.uk/Pudsey.
Children in Need mascot Pudsey Bear was created in 1985 by BBC graphic designer Joanna Lane. The bear was named after her hometown of Pudsey, where her grandfather Irvine Ball was borough councillor between 1936 and 1955 and town mayor in 1950.
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