Sara Cox, former BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show presenter and current BBC Radio 2 drivetime host, is undertaking a 135-mile walk and run across northern England to raise funds for Children in Need. Her route spans from Kielder Forest to Leeds, with Ripley Town Hall marked as a key stopover.
On Thursday, November 13, between 6:30pm and 7pm, Cox is expected to arrive at Ripley Town Hall during her Great Northern Marathon Challenge. Following a £400,000 community buyout earlier this year, the Town Hall will open its bar to welcome her with hot drinks and refreshments.
With nearly three decades in broadcasting, Cox first gained national attention replacing Zoe Ball on the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show in December 1999. She increased the audience from 6.9 million to 7.8 million listeners, achieving Radio 1’s largest breakfast audience ever.
“Sara Cox has set herself the ultimate goal of delivering the Children in Need mascot, Pudsey Bear, to the town of Pudsey.”
The annual Children in Need charity event will take place on Friday, November 14. Cox’s progress is being tracked by BBC Radio 2 as she approaches the final stage of her fundraiser.
Author’s summary: Sara Cox’s 135-mile charity challenge through northern England highlights a spirited community effort supporting Children in Need, with Ripley Town Hall serving as a memorable milestone.