News: Vernon Kay has teamed up with Zoe Ball on her BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show to make a massive announcement for the BBC Children in Need 2023 Appeal. Get ready as he takes on marathons and ultramarathons spanning four action-packed days, traversing from Victoria Park in Leicester, a recent home of Radio 2 in the Park, all the way to Bolton Wanderers’ football stadium in his hometown. This is Vernon Kay’s ULTRA Ultramarathon Challenge!
Vernon’s incredible challenge kicks off on Tuesday, November 14th, with a goal to wrap it up around 9 am on Friday, November 17th – also known as BBC Children in Need Appeal day. Throughout this journey, he will be covering an astonishing distance of approximately 115 miles on foot. The entire event will be broadcasted live on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds during this time, and viewers can anticipate video highlights and additional coverage on Radio 2’s social media channels.
During this rigorous challenge, Radio 2 presenters will maintain their regular shows, providing Vernon with ample support and motivation. They’ll also share messages from the listeners to keep him going. Remarkably, Vernon will be hosting his own weekday morning show live while conquering this monumental feat! Along the way, he will be joined by a range of special guests to keep his spirits high.
Vernon Kay himself has expressed his determination, saying, “I was just settling into my new mid-morning routine, and now this! Everyone who has previously undertaken a BBC Children in Need challenge has raised so much money for this brilliant charity, so the pressure is on, but I’m up for it… so come on, let’s do this!”
Helen Thomas, Head of BBC Radio 2, is equally excited about Vernon’s involvement, stating, “Who better than to take on this year’s Radio 2 challenge for BBC Children in Need than the newest member of our family and Bolton’s very own, Mr. Vernon Kay. Run, Vernon run, we’re all super proud of you!”
Audiences are encouraged to send their messages of support to Vernon and make donations via text and online (details to be provided closer to the event). The funds raised will contribute to supporting children and young people facing various disadvantages across the UK.
Leading up to Vernon’s challenge, listeners will have the opportunity to access supporting content on BBC Sounds (more details to follow).
Simon Antrobus, BBC Children in Need Chief Executive, emphasizes the importance of Vernon’s challenge, considering the significant challenges faced by children and young people in recent years. He adds, “We will be cheering him on every step of the way!”
Vernon’s challenge follows Radio 2’s previous 24-hour challenges for BBC Children In Need, including last year’s The Great Scott TreadMills Challenge, which raised over £1.3 million. Other notable challenges include Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Kitchen Disco Danceathon in 2021 and Joe Wicks’ 24 Hour PE Challenge in 2020, both raising substantial amounts for the charity.
In 2019, Rylan undertook his 24-hour Great Ka-RY-oke Challenge, helping Radio 2 raise over £2 million for the charity. Additionally, in 2020, Radio 2 brought together renowned global artists for the official BBC Children in Need single, a cover of Oasis’ “Stop Crying Your Heart Out.” The single featured artists like Cher, Clean Bandit, Mel C, Jamie Cullum, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Lenny Kravitz, Kylie Minogue, Nile Rodgers, and Robbie Williams, among others.
Listen back to Vernon talking to Zoe Ball about his challenge via BBC Sounds.
Words: Simon Baines
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