The BBC presenter Sara Cox has completed her challenge to run 135 miles in five days, raising more than £9.5m for the Children in Need charity.

The 50-year-old, who presents Radio 2’s Teatime show on weekdays, crossed the finish line for her great northern marathon challenge at about 3.30pm on Friday after covering the equivalent of five marathons in five days. She was greeted by a performance by the former Spice Girl Melanie C.

Carrying a Pudsey Bear backpack, the DJ travelled through Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire on her journey, during which she received a number of messages of support from famous names, including the Prince of Wales.

Cox, who crossed the finish line in Pudsey, West Yorkshire, having started in Kielder Forest, Northumberland, 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.”

The challenge is the longest tackled by Radio 2 as part of the annual fundraiser. Speaking to Scott Mills on the station, she said: “It’s just the hardest thing I’ve ever done – I’ve never known pain like it. But then, I’ve never had eye contact with so many amazing women who have just powered me on.

“On the side of the road, in the driving rain, it was bitterly cold. The truck drivers honking their horns, the farmers stopping work just to come and say hi. Thanks to everybody who let me stop for a wee at their house – it was a few people.”

The presenter had raised £9,523,028 by Friday evening. Cox said she was an “absolute wreck” during the annual appeal show, adding: “It was a rollercoaster. Like, literally my mood was changing every three, four seconds. It was a lot.”

In Prince William’s video message, which was played by Mills on his breakfast show, he said: “Sara, massive congratulations for what you’re doing.

“You’re so nearly there – just a little bit further and I know the people of Pudsey will all come out and 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.”

Melanie C said: “It’s like we’re taking every step with her. I feel quite emotional already. It’s incredible what she’s achieved and I can’t wait for her to cross that finish line.

“Could Sporty [Spice] have done it? I’d like to think so, but I’m not sure … this is a testament to humans – we are all capable of so much more than we realise and Sara’s our poster girl for that.”

Cox said she received a call from her mother and sister in India as she passed a telephone box during Thursday’s longest leg from Richmond to Ripley.

The BBC’s annual Children in Need telethon starts on BBC iPlayer and BBC One at 7pm on Friday.

The evening, hosted by Paddy McGuinness, Big Zuu, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay and Lenny Rush, will include performances from acts such as the McFly singer Tom Fletcher and the girl band Remember Monday, alongside sketches from The Apprentice, EastEnders and Gladiators.

Children in Need has raised £45,507,536 so far this year, it was announced at the end of the live appeal show.
Giedroyc said: “From everybody here, we are so grateful for your support.”