Ex-BBC Radio 1 Presenter’s Children in Need Challenge Arrives in Ripley
Sara Cox, a former BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show presenter and now a BBC Radio 2 drivetime host, is visiting Ripley Town Hall as part of a 135-mile charity challenge for Children in Need. She is walking and running across Northern England, from Kielder Forest to Pudsey in Leeds, to raise funds for the annual appeal.
Born in Lancashire, Cox will stop in Ripley during her Great Northern Marathon Challenge. She is expected to arrive at Ripley Town Hall on Thursday, November 13, between 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm.
Having been acquired by the community after a £400,000 buyout earlier this year, Ripley Town Hall will open its bar to welcome Cox, offering hot drinks and refreshments during her stopover.
Sara Cox’s Broadcasting Career and Challenge Goal
With nearly 30 years of experience as one of the UK’s most recognizable radio presenters, Cox set herself the ambitious target of delivering Pudsey Bear, the Children in Need mascot, to the town of Pudsey as part of her challenge.
"Sara Cox first rose to fame when she replaced Zoe Ball as presenter of the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show in December 1999."
"She quickly grew listening figures from 6.9 million to 7.8 million listeners, earning Radio 1 its largest ever breakfast audience."
Children in Need will take place on Friday, November 14, with Sara’s journey tracked by BBC Radio 2.
Event Details
- Challenge: 135 miles walking/running from Kielder Forest to Pudsey
- Ripley Town Hall stopover: Thursday, November 13, 6:30–7:00 pm
- Ripley Town Hall: community-owned since 2025, bar open for refreshments
- Charity event date: Friday, November 14
Author’s summary: Sara Cox embarks on a 135-mile journey for Children in Need, stopping at community-run Ripley Town Hall as part of her mission to bring Pudsey Bear to the charity event in Leeds.