'Hello Yorkshire!': BBC Radio 2's Sara Cox makes it to Pudsey, Leeds, after epic 135-mile marathon challenge

Sara was met by husband Ben and her children and punched the air in elation on arrival in Pudsey in the pouring rain. The 50-year-old, who presents the station’s Teatime Show on weekdays, crossed the finish line at about 3.30pm on Friday, where she was greeted by a performance from former Spice Girl Melanie C.

Sara’s first words after crossing the finish line were: " I can't believe it, oh my gosh. That was the hardest thing I've ever done. Oh my gosh, I can't believe it, I can't believe it... HELLO YORKSHIRE! I'm an honorary Yorkshire woman now!”

After the equivalent of five marathons in five days , Sara was met in Pudsey by large crowds as well as husband Ben and her children. She punched the air in elation on arrival in the pouring rain.

She then caught up with Radio 2’s Scott Mills, saying: "It was a really silly idea, such a ridiculous thing to do. That was crazy!"

She said: "It's just the hardest thing I've ever done, I've never known pain like it

"But then I've never had eye contact with so many amazing woman who have just powered me on," she said. "On the side of the road, in the driving rain, it was bitterly cold. The truck drivers honking their horns, the farmers stopping work just to come and say hi."

"Thanks to everybody who let me stop for a wee at their house - it was a few people!"

When Scott asked her where her portable Pudsey Bear backpack had gone, she said her best friend Clare was looking after it: "That'll be on eBay by five. Get a few quid babe!"

She music powered her through: “ I would like to thank Chase and Status and Stormzy for Backbone. And I'd like to apologise to my son because on telly, if it stays on the documentary, I am singing that song quite a lot and it's so cringe. So I am so sorry to my kids.

“We spend a lot of time playing brilliant music on Radio 2... I was singing along at one point like a mad woman, singing along to Blur, and all sorts just to try and push through.”

The new total raised (so far) for Children in Need is a staggering £7,651,855.

Sara said it's her calves that hurt the most. "I've never had shapely calves in my life" she tells Radio 2's Scott Mills. "But I have now because they are so swollen, it looks like I've been hit with a bat".

"It's just been the maddest, most painful, wonderful thing I've ever, ever done."

Sara also thanks Professor Greg White, who has overseen her training: "This is fortieth challenge that he's dragged someone through and he told me exactly how to train and how to get strong."

Melanie C, whose real name is Melanie Chisholm, said: “It’s like we’re taking every step with her. I feel quite emotional already.

“And yeah, I just think this is one of those… it’s incredible what she’s achieved and I just, I can’t wait for her to cross that finish line.

“Could Sporty have done it? I’d like to think so, but I’m not sure… this is a testament to humans, we are all capable of so much more than we realise and Sara’s our poster girl for that.”

The challenge is the longest tackled by Radio 2 as part of the annual fundraiser.

Although tired, emotional and in pain, Sara was motivated into her final stretch of the epic 135 mile challenge earlier today with a supportive message from Prince William. The Prince of Wales recording a video message, played by Scott Mills on his Radio 2 breakfast show.

William said: "Sara, massive congratulations for what you’re doing. You’re so nearly there, just a little bit further, and I know the people of Pudsey will all come out and welcome you with huge open arms, big hugs, and hopefully, lots of your favourite crumpets. Keep going, you’ve done fantastically well, and the nation’s so proud of you."

The Radio 2 presenter’s challenge culminated in Pudsey, Leeds, tonight. Carrying a distinctive Pudsey Bear backpack, Cox’s journey began in Kielder Forest, travelling through Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.

Sara has been keen to complete this challenge, the longest by Radio 2 as part of Children in Need, for women. She said: "We are not women of a certain vintage, we are not women of a certain age, we are women over 50. It’s just the beginning when you get to 50, I’m loving being 50."

But the challenge proved incredibly tough for Sara, physically and mentally. As she set off this morning she said: “I've not got much left in the tank. I've still got such a long way to go. It is dark and it is raining. The rain is going to be relentless today. My toes are like little cocktail sausages. It's so cold - I don't want to go out there... I feel sick. I think it's the adrenaline and nerves.”

But she made it to a rapturous welcome.

BBC’s annual Children In Need programme is set to air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One at 7pm on Friday.