BBC Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans has raised millions of pounds for BBC Children in Need after completing his five day, four nations cycling challenge in Cardiff.
Owain crossed the finish line at BBC Central Square today after cycling almost 400 miles across Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales, overcoming injury, exhaustion and moments of self-doubt along the way.
He received a hero’s welcome, with crowds cheering, confetti cannons firing and Pudsey Bear waiting to greet him.
Vernon Kay was also there, broadcasting his show live from Cardiff, alongside Owain’s husband Arran, his parents and brother Rhys.
The fundraising total continued to climb throughout Friday morning. Vernon announced that donations had passed £3.2 million, with the figure reaching £3,853,530 by 11.55am.
Owain was visibly emotional as he thanked the crowds who had supported him throughout the challenge.
“Honestly, this has felt so far away for such a long time, and I can’t believe that I’m here, and this welcome. And the sun’s out! What’s going on?” he said.
One particularly emotional moment came when Owain was reunited with his former schoolteacher, Cath Adams, who had supported him when he was bullied for bringing a pink Care Bears lunchbox to school.
He recalled how she had stood up for him when other children made fun of his lunchbox, telling them there was nothing wrong with it.
“That stayed with me. We need more Caths out there, she was my first ally,” he said before giving her a hug on stage.
The celebrations also included a surprise video message from Shania Twain, who congratulated Owain on completing the challenge, while Paloma Faith appeared to perform and dedicate Make Your Own Kind of Music to him.
Paloma also invited Owain to see her on tour next year, joking that he would need to get his legs back into shape before joining her for a dance.
The final day had brought another difficult test, with Owain facing Caerphilly Mountain after setting off from Blaenavon.
He had battled freezing temperatures the previous night, describing wind chill of between minus five and minus ten degrees as he approached The Tumble.
Support also came from Catherine, Princess of Wales, who sent Owain a good luck message in Welsh, and Queen drummer Roger Taylor, who encouraged him to keep going for the final day.
The challenge had seen Owain tackle some demanding climbs, including The Tumble in South Wales, which Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas described as one of the hardest climbs he had ridden in Wales.
Despite never considering himself a cyclist or endurance athlete, Owain continued to push through the physical and mental challenges, drawing encouragement from listeners and supporters along the route.
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said: “Owain truly captured the hearts of the nation this week as he battled through his epic 4 Nations Challenge.”
She added that his fundraising efforts would benefit thousands of children and families.
A special television film, Owain Wyn Evans: Four Nations Challenge for BBC Children in Need, will be shown on BBC One on 20 November at 7.30pm, featuring behind the scenes footage of his journey.
For information on how to donate by text or online to support Owain’s challenge, please visit bbc.co.uk/owain.