Sara Cox has revealed that donations for her Great Northern Marathon Challenge have rocketed to an extraordinary £11,501,637, as Britain continues to rally behind her record-breaking feat for Children In Need.
The broadcaster, 50, watched the total surge after the BBC aired her behind-the-scenes documentary Sara Cox: Every Step of the Way on Wednesday night. The emotional film captured every blister, tear and rain-soaked mile across Northumberland, County Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire — five full marathons in five punishing days.
The total jumped by more than £1.3 million since Monday’s £10.2 million figure, previously announced by Scott Mills on Radio 2. Sharing the new tally live on air Thursday morning, Sara told listeners: “You are legends. Every fiver, tenner, every twenty, every thirty… even the couple of quid you gave me on the side of the road — it all counts. The kids handing over their tooth-fairy money… every penny helps young people across the UK. You are incredible.”
The presenter joked that supporters should “give yourselves a pat on the back… unless you’re operating heavy machinery, holding a small child or nursing a large whiskey,” before adding: “Eleven and a half million pounds. We did it together.”
Sara returned triumphant to her Radio 2 Teatime Show just hours after completing the ultra-marathon. Among those congratulating her were Prince William and Stormzy, who both praised her grit and determination.
Buckets placed along the route alone collected roughly £35,000, Scott Mills later revealed.
Speaking to Scott after crossing the finish line, Sara admitted that music carried her through the darkest stretches of the challenge. “I would like to thank Chase and Status and Stormzy for ‘Backbone’,” she said. “And I’d like to apologise to my son because, if it stays in the documentary, I am singing that song quite a lot and it’s so cringe. I’m so sorry to my kids.”
She added that, at one point, she found herself “singing along like a mad woman to Blur and all sorts just to push through.”
Sara also reflected on the surreal moment she received a personal message from Prince William. In the video played on Radio 2, the Prince of Wales told her: “Massive congratulations for what you’re doing. You’re nearly there… the nation’s so proud of you.”
Recalling her awkward response, Sara laughed: “I think I said ‘big up your bad self’ to the future king. Can I apologise now? It was lovely — amazing, actually.”
