Children in Need viewers were united in admiration — and making the same demand — after BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox raised an astonishing £9 million for this year’s charity appeal. The broadcaster completed one of the most physically demanding celebrity challenges the show has seen, pushing herself through exhaustion, harsh weather, and five marathon distances in just five days.

The annual Children in Need fundraiser, broadcast live from MediaCityUK in Salford on Friday (14 November), achieved a remarkable total of around £45.5 million, with nearly a fifth of that total coming from Cox’s personal effort alone. Her challenge—titled The Great Northern Marathon Challenge—saw her run, jog, and walk 135 miles across northern England, all while carrying a Pudsey Bear backpack.

Cox’s route took her through Northumberland, County Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire, enduring cold, rain, and the punishing winds of Storm Claudia. Speaking to the BBC after completing her first leg, she joked that she might be “stumbling, limping and weeping” at times, but her determination to drag her “sorry self” to the finish line was unwavering.

Her final destination was fittingly the town of Pudsey in Leeds, where she crossed the finish line around 3:30pm yesterday. Waiting to cheer her on was none other than Melanie C — the former Spice Girl performing to celebrate Cox’s achievement.

Collapsing into emotion at the finish line, Cox said, “That was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it… hello Yorkshire! I’m an honorary Yorkshirewoman now.”

Her resilience was even more impressive given that she faced the worst of Storm Claudia on her final day, but despite the brutal conditions she pushed through and delivered an extraordinary fundraising total of £9,523,028.

Later that evening, Cox appeared on-stage during the live broadcast, where host Paddy McGuinness asked about her footwear. Laughing, she explained, “I did have nice matching shoes, but my feet are so swollen that I’ve just got little Crocs on!”

Viewers all said the same thing

Social media exploded with praise for the presenter, many calling for Sara Cox to receive official honours for her efforts. One viewer wrote:
“What a wonderful person @sarajcox is. Well done to Sara and the @BBCRadio2 listeners for raising 9 million. A reminder there is plenty good left in the world.”

Another asked the question many were thinking:
“When is it going to be Dame Sara Cox? A remarkable northerner and ever so popular on Radio 2.”

A third added:
“It’s been so emotional listening all week! What an incredible achievement — well done Sara, you legend.”

Her impact reached beyond viewers — Prince William even sent her a message of support during the challenge, lifting her spirits at a moment when she was struggling physically and mentally.

Cox was triumphant when she crossed the finish line in Pudsey (BBC)

Reflecting on the experience afterwards, Cox said she was “exhausted,” but profoundly moved by the support she received:
“It’s been the most amazing, painful and wonderful few days of my life. Thank you so much to everyone who’s donated… The Radio 2 family has been incredible, and the people who stood by the side of the road in sideways rain and wind — it’s incredible.”

She ended with heartfelt gratitude after hearing her final total, marking yet another warm and memorable moment in one of Children in Need’s standout years.

( Sources: BBC News, The Guardian, ITV News, The Independent )