Children In Need viewers were left in tears as Sara Cox opened up about the emotional story behind her record-breaking running challenge.
The 50-year-old broadcaster completed an astonishing 135-mile feat—equivalent to five marathons in five days—to raise money for the charity. Her efforts ultimately helped raise an extraordinary £10,169,084.
BBC One aired a behind-the-scenes film, Sara Cox: Every Step Of The Way For Children In Need, documenting her journey and showing her confronting the personal tragedy that motivated the challenge.
Sara revealed, “My brother David died really suddenly in 2019, and it completely shattered our family. He was a true athlete, having competed in countless Ironman competitions—he was proper.”
Sara Cox moved Children In Need viewers to tears as she shared the emotional journey behind her record-breaking running challenge. Reflecting on her late brother David, she said, “I don’t think he’d be able to believe I’m doing this, but I think he’d be super proud. I’m hoping I’ve just got a bit of strength from him today.”
During the BBC One documentary Sara Cox: Every Step Of The Way For Children In Need, she also broke down while listening to families’ personal stories. Fans took to social media to praise her efforts, with one writing, “14 minutes in and already bawling. Amazing lady,” while another added, “I have always admired #SaraCox. But this really is simply amazing.”
Speaking on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show with Scott Mills, Sara admitted the challenge was far tougher than she expected, and the recovery even more so. “I don’t know what I was thinking. I thought I could just take the dogs for a gentle walk at the weekend. I can’t really walk!” she joked, referencing her sore, swollen feet. She added that even putting on a pair of Crocs was a struggle due to the swelling.
Sara carried a Pudsey Bear backpack as she ran through Durham, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire, crossing the finish line in Pudsey on Friday to complete the Great Northern Marathon Challenge. Music helped her push through the grueling run. “I would like to thank Chase and Status and Stormzy for Backbone. I was singing along to Blur and all sorts, just to keep going,” she said, apologising to her children for her enthusiastic performances.
Her incredible feat also drew support from public figures, including Prince William, who recorded a video message of encouragement. He told her, “Sara, massive congratulations. You’re so nearly there… the people of Pudsey will 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.” Scott Mills quipped, “You weren’t expecting Prince William on Friday, were you?”
Sara replied: ‘I think I said “big up your bad self” to the future king, can I apologise now? It was lovely, it was amazing.’
Elsewhere, the DJ addressed having raised a whopping £10million throughout her challenge.
Sara said: ‘Our £10million is the fivers, tenners, and twenties of Radio 2 listeners and Children In Need supporters, who have each individually given their hard-earned cash. It means the absolute world’.
She added: ‘I want to dedicate it to every child that’s been helped by a Children In Need project.
‘I want to dedicate to any child who’s been teased for having wonky legs or walking or running funny. Like I always was at school.’
Stormzy also sent Sara a message celebrating her triumphant 135-mile Great Northern Marathon Challenge: ‘Hey Sara, what’s going on, it’s Stormzy here.
‘Just wanted to say a big congratulations to you for completing five marathons in five days, which is just insane.
‘And it is five more marathons than I’ve done in my life so again massive congrats, and salute to you for raising all that money for such a beautiful, wonderful cause. We’re all very proud of you. God bless you and take care, lots of love.’
Reacting to the moving message, Sara said: ‘That’s so amazing. Thank you so much. That’s a lovely surprise. I don’t normally like surprises. That’s amazing.
‘He completely… his voice got me through. His voice got me through on his Chase & Status track on Backbone, I was just rapping along to that. I do apologise, if that makes it into Wednesday’s documentary.’