Prince William sends special message to Sara Cox on BBC Radio 2 amid her Children In Need challenge
Sara is running the equivalent of five marathons in five days
Prince William surprised listeners this morning with a heartfelt message to BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox, praising her extraordinary fundraising efforts as she embarked on the final stretch of her five-day marathon challenge for Children in Need.
BBC Children in Need funds vital support for children and young people struggling with challenges caused by mental health, poverty, social inequality and family-related issues.
The Prince of Wales appeared in a surprise pre-recorded video today (November 14).
Prince William congratulates BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox
“Sara, massive congratulations for what you’re doing. You’re so nearly there, just a little bit further,” William encouraged in the short clip.
“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.”
Clearly moved by the message, Sara responded live on air. “Wow, thanks, William. Thank you. Thanks very much.”
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Sara’s Great Northern Marathon Challenge has seen her run the equivalent of five marathons in five days, covering 135 miles across Northern England, starting in Kielder Forest and passing through Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.
She is due to finish today in Pudsey, Leeds, fittingly named after BBC Children in Need’s iconic bear. So far, the challenge has raised more than £6million.
Sara, massive congratulations for what you’re doing.
Overcome with emotion, a tearful Sara told listeners: “Everybody just giving a fiver or a tenner did it, that is amazing. Thank you so much. Thanks to everybody who has donated, you’re absolutely awesome.”
Sara’s epic journey leads directly into the BBC’s Children In Need 2025 broadcast, which airs from 7pm GMT tonight on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Prince William’s Dancing with the Stars cameo
Meanwhile, this isn’t the first time Prince William has issued a surprise video message this week.
On November 11, William stunned Dancing with the Stars viewers with a heartfelt tribute to contestant Robert Irwin.
Wearing a simple white shirt, William praised the conservationist and TV personality.
He said: “We’re going to save the world… Best of luck on the show.”
The gesture followed William’s visit to Rio de Janeiro for the Earthshot Prize Awards, where he celebrated global innovators working to repair the planet.
When William appeared onscreen, Irwin was visibly emotional, exclaiming: “Oh my goodness! How was Rio?”
The prince responded warmly: “[It went] really well. We’re missing you. While your twinkle toes are going off elsewhere, I need him down here. Witney, I need you to get him in as much glitter as you can.
“Guys, you’ve got a seriously good chance of winning it, so the best of luck on the show.”
Prince William and Robert have formed a close bond since the royal named the 21-year-old an Earthshot Prize ambassador last year.
Speaking to US Weekly in June, Robert praised the prince as “a true environmental hero” and said working with him has been “a great privilege”.
He gushed: “He’s the most lovely, intelligent person to talk to and is just so easy-going.”
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