BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox was left in tears during Wednesday’s Children in Need coverage as she opened up about the loss that has inspired her to undertake her record-breaking charity challenge

Sara Cox was overcome with emotion

Sara Cox was overcome with emotion(Image: BBC)

BBC Children in Need viewers were left in tears on Wednesday night as Sara Cox became visibly emotional while discussing the devastating family loss that inspired her record-breaking charity challenge.

In deeply moving scenes, Sara spoke openly about the sudden passing of her brother David – a talented Ironman athlete who died unexpectedly in 2019 – revealing the bereavement “completely destroyed” her family and continues to shape everything she does.

Sara said: “My brother David died really suddenly in 2019, and it really completely destroyed the whole family, like it came out of nowhere, and he was a real athlete, he ran countless Iron Man competitions – he was proper.

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“I don’t think he’d be able to believe I’m doing this. I think he’d be super proud. I’m hoping that I’ve just got a bit of strength from him today.”

David Cox died at the age of 56, just weeks before Christmas, due to an undiagnosed underlying heart condition.

Sara Cox on day four of 135-mile Children In Need marathon challenge

Sarah Cox broke down while speaking about her brother’s 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩(Image: bbc)

During one of her rest stops, she also pledged to the demanding challenge of youngsters facing mobility difficulties, expressing her wish for them to feel recognised and supported. “This is for all the children who walk funny or have wonky legs and get picked on like I did in school.”

The footage was aired during Wednesday’s behind-the-scenes update (November 19) documenting her remarkable 135-mile Great Northern Marathon Challenge – five marathons across five days – undertaken for this year’s Children in Need appeal.

The emotional programme depicted the Radio 2 presenter battling through severe conditions, agonising shin pain and utter exhaustion during her trek from Kielder Forest to Pudsey, according to the Express.

Audiences were brought to tears by the inspiring scenes as she was embraced by members of the public and spotlighted stories of young people aided by the charity, including Austin, who lives with Muscular Dystrophy.

david cox

David, di3d just weeks before Christmas due to an unknown heart condition

“14 minutes in and already bawling, Sara Cox: Every Step Of The Way. Amazing lady,” gushed one fan.