'I'm quite shy and I don't really like a fuss': Sara Cox on gearing up for 135-mile charity challenge to get Pudsey home

Sara Cox takes on 135-mile charity challenge for BBC Children in Need

Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox is preparing for a demanding 135-mile journey across northern England to support BBC Children in Need. Known for her energy and good humor, the 50-year-old broadcaster is about to prove both qualities once again.

A test of endurance and spirit

Starting from Kielder Forest near the Scottish border and finishing in Leeds, Cox will cover the distance of five marathons over five days, from Monday to Friday. She will be accompanied by the beloved Pudsey Bear, the mascot of the charity, as part of Radio 2’s longest-ever fundraising effort.

“I'm not Mo Farah, I'm not going to be running these each day,” says Cox. “I'm going to be doing a mixture of running, walking, a light trot and then just stumbling along doing ugly crying on the telly whilst possibly swearing quite a lot.”

Pushing through challenges

Cox admits that her knee has been troubling her but remains determined to complete the task. She finds motivation in the cause she is supporting — helping children in need across the UK.

“I'm just gonna have to crack on and do it. Nothing gets you to the gym like the thought of letting down lots of children, not raising money for charities, you know what I mean? National humiliation and letting everybody down. That really does make you pep up and pop your trainers on and go to the gym.”

Bringing Pudsey home

The challenge will conclude in Leeds, near Pudsey — the town that inspired the mascot’s name. It’s a symbolic journey that connects the charity’s mascot with his Yorkshire roots and celebrates the creativity of Joanna Lane, who designed him.

Author’s summary: Sara Cox faces a five-day, 135-mile trek for Children in Need, mixing humor, grit, and heartfelt purpose to “bring Pudsey home.”

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Yorkshire Post Yorkshire Post — 2025-11-06

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