Key Highlights
- DJ Sara Cox started a 135-mile run from Kielder Forest to Calverley Golf Club.
- The challenge is part of Children in Need fundraising efforts.
- Pudsey Bear, the charity mascot, will be carried back to its namesake town after five days of running.
- A welcome event for Sara Cox and Pudsey Bear is planned at Hall Park in Horsforth on Friday.
Running 135 Miles for a Great Cause
DJ Sara Cox has embarked on an ambitious challenge to raise funds for the BBC’s Children in Need. Starting from Kielder Forest near the Scottish Borders, Cox will complete a 135-mile run across four counties—Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire—in five days. The journey is set to conclude at Calverley Golf Club on Friday, November 17, 2025.
Historical Context
Calverley, the finishing point for Cox’s marathon challenge, held a unique place in history before local government reorganization in 1974. It was part of the old Pudsey Borough Council boundary, which gives this charity run an additional layer of significance.
Community Involvement
Local residents and community groups are rallying to support Sara Cox as she makes her way through Horsforth and other towns. A notable event is planned in Hall Park on Friday, where a local band will perform to cheer Cox on during the final leg of her journey. The event, organized by Friends of Horsforth Hall Park with help from LS18 Rocks, aims to create an enthusiastic atmosphere for the charity run.
Financial and Logistical Details
Children in Need mascot Pudsey Bear was created in 1985 by BBC graphic designer Joanna Lane. The bear’s name is a nod to her hometown of Pudsey, where it will eventually return to its namesake town after this challenge. The run covers the equivalent of five marathons and is expected to take Cox through challenging terrains including hills and moors.
Supporting the Cause
Residents and visitors can follow Sara Cox’s progress on a live tracker provided by the BBC Children In Need website. Other events such as the annual Pudsey two pence challenge at Pudsey Leisure Centre and fundraising activities at Pudsey Sixth Form College are also contributing to raising funds for this year’s Children in Need campaign.
Conclusion
Sara Cox’s dedication to running 135 miles is not only a physical feat but also an inspiring act of philanthropy. The journey from Kielder Forest to Calverley Golf Club encapsulates the spirit of community support and charity, with local towns and residents coming together to celebrate this unique challenge for Children in Need.
