Prince William sends uplifting message to power Sara Cox onward
Prince William has sent a heartfelt video message to Sara Cox as she tackles the final miles of her Great Northern Marathon Challenge.
Prince William congratulated Sara in a warm and encouraging message that Scott Mills surprised her with on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show today.
The message offered a timely boost as she enters the last stretch of her gruelling one-hundred-and-thirty-five-mile fundraiser for BBC Children in Need.
He praised her extraordinary effort, telling her she was “so nearly there” and assuring her that people across the country were incredibly proud, even joking that Pudsey would welcome her with hugs and a plate of her favourite crumpets.
His message left Sara visibly emotional and energised, thanking him repeatedly live on air while trying to take in the support.
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, shared her admiration for Sara’s achievement, saying the challenge had united listeners in a remarkable show of generosity and kindness, with people lining the streets to cheer her on, offering warm drinks, encouragement, and smiles in every community she passed.
She highlighted how Sara’s journey has demonstrated the very best of broadcasting this year, with the nation rallying behind a presenter whose determination and spirit have inspired millions and raised vital funds for young people who rely on Children in Need’s support.
Moments before Prince William’s surprise message, Scott Mills revealed that Sara has now raised over four-point-one million pounds for the Radio 2 Children in Need Challenge, a significant leap from the three-point-five million pounds announced by Jo Whiley last night.
The news left Scott, Sara, and listeners equally stunned, underscoring the huge national response to her physically and emotionally demanding challenge.
Speaking on air earlier today, Sara said she was focusing entirely on reaching the finish line while trying to push aside the pain of her final miles.
She explained that she was drawing strength from Jude, a twenty-year-old member of the One Show Challenge Squad who has endured more than twenty operations, reminding herself that her own pain is temporary while many young people supported by Children in Need face daily challenges that last far longer.
Sara said she felt lucky despite her exhaustion and hoped her effort would help make a difference to young people living with chronic conditions and difficult circumstances across the UK.
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