BBC Radio stars take the plunge for BBC Children in Need in Beverley

BBC Radio presenters from across the UK are taking the plunge and making a splash by diving head first into a mammoth new swimming challenge for BBC Children in Need.

The Thousand Mile Challenge will see presenters from each radio station across BBC Local Radio in England team up with their colleagues from BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru 2, BBC Radio nan Gaidheal, BBC Radio Shetland BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle to form special swim teams in an attempt to collaboratively complete the epic distance. Each radio station will complete twenty four miles each.

Taking place between Monday 4th November and Friday 8th November, the swimmers will be taking part indoors and out, in pools, rivers and lakes at various locations across the UK. Listeners will be able to hear how their swim teams are getting on via their nearest local radio station and BBC Sounds. Audiences can also follow The Thousand Mile Challenge on social media.

The team at East Riding Leisure, Beverley are excited to host the first leg of this charity swim on Monday 4th November, raising awareness and encouraging the swimmers throughout the day.

The presenters will be cheered on and supported remotely by former Team GB swimmers and Olympians, Rebecca Adlington and Mark Foster. The pair of seasoned swimmers and multiple medal winners have shared their experience, training tips and words of encouragement as the presenters dive into the challenge.

The BBC’s Director of Nations, Rhodri Talfan Davies, says: “A thousand miles is some swim! What a way for our radio presenters from across BBC Local and all four nations to come together and raise money for Children in Need. It’s going to be tough, for sure, but with the support of millions of listeners, our aim is to help support vital charity projects in communities right across the UK.”

Simon Antrobus, BBC Children in Need’s Chief Executive says: “We’re thrilled to see the BBC Nations and Regions get behind BBC Children in Need’s 2024 Appeal with such an epic challenge.

“Right now, we are only able to fund 1 in 8 organisations who ask us for support. Only with the generosity of the public can we continue help to lighten the load for hundreds of thousands of children, and young people across the UK and help change their lives.” 

Councillor Nick Coultish, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, says: ‘’This is a great opportunity to host a wonderful event which raises much-needed money for Children in Need. We are beyond pleased that the BBC have chosen to take on this challenge at East Riding Leisure, Beverley and we hope to raise a lot of money for the cause!’’

To donate online and for more information on the challenge audiences can simply visit https://www.bbc.co.uk/swim.