Over the course of two days (4th and 5th November), BBC Radio Wales presenters Catrin Heledd and Behnaz Akhgar battled through wind and rain – three-legged – to complete the Thousand Mile Challenge for BBC Children in Need.
Across the UK and Channel Island, BBC radio teams have been teaming up to walk 25 miles each to reach the thousand-mile target to raise funds for BBC Children in Need. The BBC Radio Wales challenge kicked off on Tuesday 4th November in the heart of Cardiff, at the Principality Stadium. Throughout the three-legged walk, Catrin and Behnaz were each tethered at the ankle to different companions, including people from BBC Children in Need-funded charities, who described the impact donations can make. Fellow BBC presenters such as Jason Mohammad, Bronwen Lewis, and Derek Brockway, as well as loved ones also joined at different stages of the 25-mile trek.
After some momentous strides around the stadium, the challenge continued into the streets of Cardiff. Over the two days, the presenters three-legged their way past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks – from the National Museum of Wales to Cardiff Bay Barrage and the Senedd.
One of the walkers was Reverend Dean Roberts from the BBC Children in Need-funded charity, The Parish Trust, who was interviewed live on BBC Radio Wales:
“It’s so important that people understand the impact their donation to BBC Children in Need has on local charities working on the ground in their communities.
“We started with a food bank during COVID — responding to isolation and lack of opportunities. Since then, we’ve grown a whole programme of activities for children and young people, from our toddlers’ groups to youth volunteering opportunities.
“We’re trying to expand and respond to the felt needs of our communities, and funding from Children in Need has been key in helping us plan long-term and secure the future of the charity.”
After an epic 25 miles, contributing to a combined thousand-mile walk, the challenge came to an end on the 5th of November, as Catrin and Behnaz completed the final lap tethered together back at the Principality Stadium.
Catrin Heledd said:
“I would definitely say the rain was testing! But we got through it thanks to all the special guests who joined us over the two days and kept us going. The different stories – people from the community, people who’ve been supported by BBC Children in Need – really kept us going.
Thank you to the listeners for all for their messages.”
Listeners can listen back on all the action and interviews from the challenge on BBC Radio Wales via BBC Sounds.
Garmon Rhys, BBC Cymru Wales Interim Director, said:
“Year after year, we’re amazed by the incredible efforts of presenters, fundraisers and supporters for BBC Children in Need — and this year is no exception.”
There’s still time to show your support by donating to BBC Children in Need. You can donate any amount online at bbc.co.uk/walk
And that’s not all. On Thursday 13th November, Trystan Ellis-Morris and Emma Walford – two of BBC Radio Cymru’s much-loved Friday morning presenters – will be stepping into a 24-hour danceathon, breaking out moves on the dancefloor for no less than 24 hours.
The challenge will culminate on BBC Children in Need Day with a show-stopping finale, as they present their Friday morning show live from the dancefloor.
Listeners can tap into the action across BBC Radio Cymru shows on Thursday and Friday, 13th and 14th November. The danceathon will also be livestreamed for 24 hours on BBC iPlayer.
