Sara Cox raises £9.5m for BBC Children in Need after completing gruelling 135-mile marathon challenge in Pudsey

The Radio 2 DJ began the station’s largest BBC Children in Need challenge this week, traveling from the Scottish border to West Yorkshire entirely on foot.

As she crossed the finish line at Calverley Golf Club on Friday afternoon, Sara was met by emotional fans, friends, and family - and a special surprise appearance from no other than Mel C - raising more than £9.5 million for the charity.

With the beloved Pudsey Bear on her back, Sara crossed four counties - Northumberland, Durham, North and West Yorkshire - with thousands of messages of support, including from Prince William. But after five wet, cold, and windy days, she made her triumphant finish at just after 3.30pm on Friday.

Speaking to Scott Mills just a few minutes later, Sara said: “I can't believe it, oh my gosh. That was the hardest thing I've ever done. HELLO YORKSHIRE! I'm an honorary Yorkshire woman now!”

She added, "It was a really silly idea, such a ridiculous thing to do. That was crazy! 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 women 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!"

With £9,523,028 raised for children in need across the UK, Leeds was quick to react. Yorkshire Evening Post reader Andy Hayden said: “Well done, that's amazing. I'm sure your legs will be in pain for a few days, total respect.” Bev Farrell added, “What a woman! Incredible job.”

Sean Caveney called the Teatime Show host an “inspiration and total legend in her own lifetime”, adding: “The lady is absolutely amazing, and no other words are needed. God bless you, Sarah.”

It was a noticeably exhausted DJ who crossed the finish line, as Lorna Boardman pointed out: “ Omg... her legs are shaking! Rest well Sara.” Sian Davies added that an OBE should be on the table: “Poor woman is in so much pain with her legs she can’t keep them still . Bloody superwoman Sara Cox ….. OBE at least.”

Sara received a hero's welcome in Pudsey, with Melanie Chisholm, best known as Sporty Spice, speaking just minutes before her arrival: “It’s like we’re taking every step with her. I feel quite emotional already.

“It’s incredible what she’s achieved, and I just 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.”

Following Sara Cox's immense effort and the outpouring of support across the UK, the BBC Children in Need 2025 appeal culminated on Friday night with a star-studded appeal show. Hosted by Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Paddy McGuinness, Lenny Rush, and Big Zuu from MediaCityUK in Salford, the event announced a grand total of £45,507,536 raised for children and young people.