Sara Cox, mid-way through an extraordinary 135-mile marathon for Children In Need, experienced a moment of profound emotion. The BBC Radio 2 DJ, on the third grueling day of her challenge, had just learned incredible news.
Covering 28 miles from Wolsingham to Richmond, Cox was already pushing her physical limits. But the news that flooded the airwaves – a staggering £1,002,869 raised – proved to be the most powerful force of all.
The announcement, delivered live by radio host Scott Mills, visibly overwhelmed her. Tears streamed down her face as the magnitude of the generosity sunk in. “Oh my god…one million! We’ve done a million!” she exclaimed, her voice thick with emotion.
Cox expressed heartfelt gratitude to every single donor, acknowledging the impact of each contribution. “Every fiver, every tenner…it all makes a massive difference,” she said, her voice trembling with sincerity. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy.
Despite the elation, the challenge wasn’t without its hardships. Cox confessed to a particularly difficult morning, admitting she was “really, really struggling.” A sleepless night, waking from midnight until 3am, had left her with aching legs and feet.
But even in the face of physical exhaustion, her spirit remained unbroken. She found strength in unexpected places – a heartwarming serenade from the students of Cockfield Primary School, who cleverly adapted a song from Moana to offer their support.
A surprise visit from Gethin Jones, arriving on a tractor, provided another boost of encouragement. These gestures, alongside the outpouring of donations, fueled her determination to continue towards Pudsey.
Cox embarked on this ambitious journey on Monday, traversing four counties – Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire – beginning in the remote Kielder Forest near the Scottish border. Each step is a testament to her dedication and the power of collective kindness.
Her challenge isn’t just about miles covered; it’s about the lives touched by the incredible generosity of the public. It’s a story of perseverance, community, and the overwhelming impact of giving.
