How Sara Cox conquered 135 miles for children in need and raised over £4 Million—Here’s her incredible story

BBC Radio 2 star Sara Cox has once again captured hearts nationwide—not just for her radio talents but for her extraordinary commitment to charity. Over the past five days, Cox has undertaken a staggering 135-mile challenge, journeying from Kielder Forest in Northumberland to Pudsey in Leeds, all to raise funds for Children in Need. The trek, equivalent to running five consecutive marathons, has already generated more than £4 million for the beloved UK charity.

On Wednesday morning, Cox shared an emotional moment with her co-host Scott Mills. “I don’t know how I’m going to do this today. I’ve got so far to go,” she admitted through tears, revealing the physical and emotional toll the challenge was taking. Sleep has been elusive, with Cox awake from 12:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. before rising again just an hour and a half later. Despite the exhaustion, she attempted to lighten the mood on-air, joking that the experience was “like a radio therapy session.” Yet, there was no disguising the immense strain she was under.

This isn’t the first time a celebrity has pushed themselves to extremes for charity, but it raises a question: are these challenges becoming too demanding? Vernon Kay, Paddy McGuinness, and Jamie Laing have all endured painful injuries in previous Children in Need or Red Nose Day campaigns, while John Bishop experienced severe tissue damage during a “Week of Hell” ultramarathon for Sport Relief. Cox’s efforts stand out, however, because she was not a seasoned runner beforehand—her preparation included just a few Parkruns and treadmill sessions over a mere ten weeks.

Despite the grueling journey, the communities along Cox’s route have rallied in support. On Thursday, she stopped in Ripley, North Yorkshire, where children from local schools lined the streets waving banners and cheering her on. Her visit to Beckwithshaw CE Primary School on Friday morning drew a warm welcome, with Victoria Kirkman, Executive Head of Ripley CE and Beckwithshaw Schools, noting: “Sara’s efforts are utterly inspiring for our pupils, exemplifying values of community, compassion, and courage.”

Cox has also received recognition from royalty. Prince William recorded a personal message, praising her determination and expressing national pride for the fundraising milestone she has achieved. His message played during Cox’s Radio 2 broadcast, further boosting morale for the final leg of her journey toward Pudsey.

While the challenge concludes at Calverley Golf Club in Pudsey—an event closed to the public due to space constraints—the impact of Cox’s journey is clear. Her dedication has inspired countless supporters to donate, proving that genuine commitment can resonate far beyond social media trends or fleeting viral campaigns.

As Cox nears the finish line, her message is one of perseverance and inspiration: challenges can push our limits, but they also unite communities, raise critical funds, and remind us of the power of collective effort.

FAQ

Q1: How far has Sara Cox traveled for her charity challenge?
A1: She has covered 135 miles from Kielder Forest, Northumberland, to Pudsey, Leeds, equivalent to five marathons in five days.

Q2: How much has Sara Cox raised for Children in Need so far?
A2: As of the end of her challenge, Cox has raised over £4 million.

Q3: Where can I track Sara Cox’s progress along the route?
A3: Updates and route tracking are available via BBC Radio 2’s platforms.

Q4: Can the public join her on the marathon route?
A4: For safety reasons, the public is asked not to join her on the road.

Q5: How can I donate to Sara Cox’s charity challenge?
A5: Donations can be made online through the BBC Children in Need official website.