Thousand Mile Challenge: Radio presenters take on epic three-legged walk

Watch: 'It's the greatest thing I've ever done'

While our Thousand Mile Challenge walkers have got their feet firmly planted on the ground, BBC Radio 1’s Greg James has been flying high in his challenge for BBC Children in Need.

Greg James took to the skies with the legendary Red Arrows after Pudsey urged him to Challenge Yourself, external for BBC Children in Need.

After a briefing from Sqn Ldr Jon Bond at RAF Waddington, in Lincolnshire, Greg had the ride of a lifetime with the aerobatic team.

"It's the greatest thing I've ever done," he said.

Watch: Nick Knowles says 'put your best three feet forward'

TV presenter Nick Knowles sent a video of support to the team at BBC Radio Leicester.

Knowles and the DIY SOS team carried out a home transformation for Stacey and her daughter Isla earlier this year.

Isla, who has a rare genetic disorder that makes her bones dangerously brittle and causes her to age prematurely, has been supported by BBC Children in Need since she was born.

Before Stacey joined Radio Leicester's Ady Dayman for part of the BBC Children in Need Thousand Mile Challenge, she and Isla were surprised with the video message.

How to donate

To donate online to BBC Children in Need in support of the efforts of teams taking part in the Thousand Mile Challenge attempt, click this link, external.

The above link takes you to an external donation page for BBC Children in Need. Its use is subject to their Terms of Use , external& Privacy Notice, external.

For full terms and information on the registered charity, go to www.bbc.co.uk/walk

Watch: Getting girls into coding

BBC London

Among the projects supported by BBC Children in Need is the social enterprise Girls into Coding.

Based in London, it provides free workshops in coding, robotics and engineering for girls aged 10-14 who are underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields.

The aim is to broaden the girls' horizons, boost their self-confidence and improve their chances of pursuing careers in technology.

We went along to meet founder Avye Couloute, 18, to find out more.

Where are the most income-deprived areas in the UK?

Lauren Woodhead

Data journalist

One of the issues BBC Children in Need, and the organisations it supports, focuses on is the challenge faced by children living in areas which are income-deprived.

An income-deprived household is one with an income below 70% of the national average, after housing costs have been taken into account.

The most recent UK government data found the London borough of Tower Hamlets has the highest proportion of children living in such households.

The government estimated that in 2024, 4.3 million children in the UK were living in income-deprived households, with a spokesperson adding that the government was tackling the causes of deprivation "head on".

The data also found that the most deprived neighbourhood in England was the Jaywick and St Osyth area of Clacton-on-Sea, but that seven of the 10 most deprived neighbourhoods were in the coastal resort of Blackpool.

Children in deprived areas like these often don't get the chance to join in with activities and experiences that build self-esteem, memories, resilience, aspirations and wellbeing.

Many of the organisations supported by BBC Children in Need aim to open up new opportunities for young people in those areas.

Drumming weatherman Owain Wyn Evans shows support

BBC Radio Wales

Drumming weatherman turned BBC Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans, who raised millions for BBC Children in Need with his 24-hour Drumathon in 2021, showed his support to the walkers.

He was at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff to cheer them on, and told BBC Radio Wales’ Bronwen Lewis: “What's incredible about Children in Need is that no matter where you're listening, there will be someone in your postcode who will have benefited.

"It's through things like the Thousand Mile Challenge - so you're always thinking about the fact that children near you will be helped.

"For me, going back to Ammanford to see what this charity had done where I grew up really hit home. If you can afford to give, it really does make a massive difference.”

'Nuns pulled over to give us hot chocolate'

BBC Newcastle

BBC Radio Newcastle

BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Matt Bailey was blessed with a cup of hot chocolate made by nuns on his leg of the Thousand Mile Challenge for BBC Children in Need.

He said he'd been "blown away" by support from different people and groups along the route after starting the challenge at Seaham in the early hours of the morning.

Matt was tethered to UK MMA star Katrina Fisher as the pair reached Sunderland AFC's Stadium of Light at midday, where they were given a rousing welcome from a brass band.

"It gave us all the inspiration we needed for day two,” Matt said.

“From nuns pulling over in cars to offer us hot chocolate and taxi drivers taking detours to cheer us on - it was a truly humbling experience."

'I'd love my daughter to meet Pudsey'

BBC Radio Manchester

One of the highlights for BBC Radio Manchester has been boxer and reality TV star Tommy Fury joining presenter Joe McGrath towards the end of his efforts for the BBC Children in Need Thousand Mile Challenge.

Fury said he is being supported by his family, who are "big fans of Children in Need".

The boxer, who has a two-year-old daughter Bambi with fellow reality star Molly-Mae Hague, said he would love her to meet the charity's famous mascot Pudsey one day, "so we'll see if we can make the duo happen".

"People in my position and people with big platforms should be doing as much charity work as possible," he added. "If it's charity work I'll be there - any time, any place, anywhere.”

As he approached the finish line, Fury joked that he was "starting to break a sweat" on the challenge and did not have the energy for a "sprint finish".

Tommy Fury joins Children in Need three-legged walk in Manchester - BBC News

'We've just powered through!'

Jenny Mullin

Breakfast presenter, BBC Radio Jersey

I've done it - I've crossed the finish line on my leg of the Thousand Mile Challenge for BBC Children in Need!

My legs are sore, but the support along the way, and fun we've had, I have absolutely loved it.

If you're going to get advice, it's best to get it from a double Olympic medallist, I think!

The support from Dame Kelly Holmes – on the island to speak at a conference - was excellent.

I've had some great guests, people who are big parts of our communities.

We've just powered through and kept going.

Listen: 'The BBC Children in Need choir is so fun'

Aness, from Derby, was born with a severe type of spina bifida.

As well as taking up acting and wheelchair tennis, the eight-year-old is now part of what he describes as the "very fun" BBC Children in Need choir.

His mum, Linda, says the choir is their way of giving back.

"It’s a nice way to say thank you and a nice way to show everyone where their donations are going - and what a difference it makes," she says.

Team Wiltshire and Pudsey arrive at Stonehenge

Ben Prater from BBC Radio Wiltshire has made it to Stonehenge after completing his part of the Thousand Mile Challenge for BBC Children in Need.

He and his counterpart Kelly Morgan started their three-legged walk yesterday and they clocked up 21.2 miles together.

This morning, Ben walked his final 6.39 miles.

"I am feeling good. I am feeling positive," he says.

"I am feeling like I want to go home and have a nice hot bath!

"I’m also feeling very privileged to be on a World Heritage Status Site."

Meanwhile, Kelly is due to finish her miles at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire later.

'My right hip and left knee are aching'

Katie Tyler

BBC Radio Berkshire

What a first day it was in our three-legged challenge for BBC Children in Need!

Although we had to navigate some very muddy and slippy patches, we were treated to some absolutely stunning views walking from Reading to Shiplake on the Thames Path.

I was surprised at how quickly we became "in sync" with one another.

We definitely couldn't have done this without the advice of Gary Shaughnessy from Tadley.

Alongside his friend Andy, he holds the world record for the longest distance run in a three-legged race in 24 hours.

He gave us some brilliant top tips ahead of the challenge - like always making sure someone is in charge of counting down before you start walking.

This definitely stopped us from falling over a couple of times!

For some of the walk, our only company was a field of sheep.

But it was so lovely walking past members of the public who gave us a friendly wave or a message of support.

My right hip and left knee are aching - but I'm really excited to get back to it for day two.

'This challenge is about more than just walking'

Phil Goodlad

Sport Presenter, BBC Radio Scotland

Today's three-legged challenge for BBC Children in Need is different to day one yesterday.

Tuesday was about putting down your steps, about lapping weather presenter Judith Ralston as much as possible - but this morning I’ve got a bit of a stiff hip.

I think it's going to be a bit less about lapping Judith today and more just trying to get it done.

I'm looking forward to walking with singer Nathan Evans today, because I feel he became part of our family during the Covid lockdown with that song he sang about "The Wellerman".

It was constantly on repeat in our house and then it went mainstream, so I'm looking forward to walking with him.

The weather is very different today. It's meant to be really wet, but we've got waterproofs and umbrellas...and it's Scotland at the start of November, what more can we say?

The first person I'm walking with today is Derek Russell from Hope for Autism, the charity he helps run with his mum.

The charity group say they wouldn't be able to do half the stuff they do for young people and young adults across Scotland without help from BBC Children in Need.

This challenge is more than just walking around the beautiful Kelpies.

'Three-legged challenge has been amazing'

Lee Blakeman and Ajmal Hussain, from BBC Radio Stoke’s breakfast show, finished their three-legged challenge on Tuesday at the Bet365 Stadium, home of Stoke City FC.

The pair completed their 25-mile stint, tied together at the ankles, in less than 10 hours - having set off from the radio station at about 08:00 GMT on Tuesday.

They arrived wet and weary, with Lee saying he felt "a little bit emotional" when he saw their names on the stadium’s giant scoreboards.

"We were just in awe," Ajmal said. "It’s been amazing."

Ajmal added that there were times when they had felt "a little bit down" during the day, but the support of people honking their car horns, and from those who had joined in by walking alongside them for parts of the route, had helped spur them on.

Boxer Nathan Heaney was among those who came out to cheer on the pair, along with supporters from the Alice Charity and local primary school children.

"To everybody who’s tooted, to everybody who’s waved, to everybody who’s donated – thank you, thank you, thank you," Lee said.

"We’re aching and we’re shattered, but it has been such a great experience."

'My kids were left with no beds when we were rehomed'

Lauren Woodhead

Data journalist

For some children, challenges like poverty, unpaid care work and domestic abuse are part of daily life.

We've been talking to organisations funded by BBC Children in Need whose staff work with them and their families to make a difference.

They include families who find themselves homeless and needing to start over. That was the case for Sarah (not her real name) and her children, who spent two years apart before being rehomed.

She said: "The happiness of having the children back, all together, is a feeling I will never take for granted again. However, we had to start over."

A referral to the Family Fund charity's Emergency Essential programme meant the children were given new mattresses and bedding, instead of having to share.

"Since they've had their own places to sleep, the difference in the kids is just amazing," she added.

"They're healthier, getting along better – and it's massively helped me too."

'My kids were left with no beds when we were rehomed'

What does BBC Children in Need do?

BBC Children in Need funds vital support for children and young people struggling with mental or physical health, poverty, social inequality, family-related issues and much more.

Since the first major appeal in 1980, it has raised more than £1bn for children across the UK.

Annual fundraising campaigns are held every year in the lead-up to the BBC Children in Need Appeal show, which is hosted live on BBC One.

This year, teams of BBC Radio presenters are embarking on a 1,000-mile three-legged walk to raise money.

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