Scott Mills has revealed the astonishing final amount raised by Sara Cox for the Great Northern Marathon Challenge for BBC Children in Need.
After running five marathons in five days across some of the toughest terrain in the North, it was announced live on Radio 2 this morning that the updated total for her challenge now stands at a phenomenal £10,169,084.
The number blew past everyone’s expectations, including Sara’s, who was clearly overwhelmed as she joined the breakfast show presenter from home to reflect on her extraordinary week.
“I can’t believe it… we’ve hit £10 million”
Speaking on air, still recovering and “hobbling” around the house in Crocs, Sara said she was struggling to process the scale of the achievement. She described the pain she endured during the challenge as “unreal,” with swollen ankles, painful feet and the sheer mental battle of having to restart moving after every stop. But the public support kept her going.
Sara said the messages, roadside supporters braving freezing weather, and thousands of donations pushed her forward when her body was begging her to stop. At one point she admitted she only kept moving because she “hated stopping,” as her legs would instantly seize up.
A week the nation won’t forget
Listeners and supporters lined the route in rain, fog and icy winds. Dog walkers, farmers, families and kids cheered her on mile after mile. Collection buckets alone raised an incredible £35,000 from people who literally ran out of their homes, workplaces or vans to donate.
Even Prince William surprised her with a message.
And this morning, the brilliant surprise continued when Stormzy sent Sara a personal message of congratulations, telling her, “We’re all very proud of you.”
Why it mattered
Throughout the challenge Sara kept reminding herself why she was doing it – for the young people supported by BBC Children in Need, including those living with chronic pain or facing long-term medical challenges.
“This pain will pass,” she said. “Some kids live with this every day.”
What happens next
Sara is now resting, with plans to return to her Radio 2 show later in the week once she can walk properly again. She joked she’ll be presenting sitting down, because standing isn’t quite on the cards yet. DJ Spoony will sit in for Sara on Monday and Tuesday.
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