This week CV Life’s Alan Higgs Centre played host to BBC CWR as presenters and producers from the station took part in a mammoth swimming challenge for BBC Children in Need.
The Thousand Mile Challenge has seen presenters from each radio station across BBC Local Radio in the UK form special swim teams in an attempt to collaboratively complete the epic distance with each station completing twenty four miles each.
Swimmers included Breakfast Show presenter Phil Upton and Afternoon Show lead Trish Adudu, as well as reporter Rosie Eaton, producer Debbie Woods and newsreader Josh Giltrap, who together completed the required miles across the week, culminating in the milestone being reached shortly after midday on Friday.
Speaking after completing six miles, Trish said: “It’s been a real rollercoaster journey! I came into this full of anxiety, fearing deep water, but thanks to the wonderful support of the coaches and the team I’ve managed to overcome that.
“Working as a team, and having their support has been wonderful, there’s been lots of tears on my part, and I’ll be honest I’ll sleep like a baby tonight!
“I plan to keep swimming, maybe not everyday – but that fear has gone, which at 55 years of age, is something I’m really proud of. It’s been lovely and very emotional, getting to the end was a stunning moment.”
Alan Higgs Centre Manager Laura Williams said:”We’ve really enjoyed hosting the team from BBC CWR.
“They’ve all been full of fun and energy all week, getting myself and my team involved with cheerleading from the sidelines!
“It’s also fantastic we’ve been able to help raise money for charity while also raising awareness on the importance and benefits of swimming.”
Speaking about the wider event, BBC’s Director of Nations, Rhodri Talfan Davies, said: “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 said: “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.”
To donate online and for more information on the challenge audiences can simply visit www.bbc.co.uk/swim.