The One Show's now annual Rickshaw Challenge is heading through Salford tomorrow, Monday 11th November, as part of its quest to cover 700 miles and visit all four UK nations in eight days to raise money for Children In Need.
'Team Rickshaw' will be made up of five young people, each supported by projects funded by BBC Children in Need, who'll be riding around the clock with partners including The One Show's Alex Jones.
"This is going to be one of the toughest things I've ever done, and we will all have our work cut out for us" she says "Cycling through the night will probably be the hardest part. Having supported the Rickshaw Challenge before, I know first-hand what a difference the public support can make, so please, please donate and, even better, come out to the streets to cheer us on!"
The Rickshaw will be heading down Broad Street, across the Pendleton roundabout and past the Crescent Station, before turning and travelling to the BBC HQ at MediaCityUK. To check its progress and times see the interactive route map (click here) or on Twitter via #TeamRickshaw.
Apart from Alex Jones, the team includes…
Martin, age 19, from Paisley. With congenital limb loss, Martin was born without his left forearm, right hand and the lower part of his left leg. Despite this, Martin has become a successful sportsman and was scouted by the Drumchapel Table Tennis Club. As result of coaching and support from the organisation, Martin has since represented Scotland at an international level and is part of the GB Pathway squad, and credits the club with transforming his life. He will be partnered with Alex Jones for the challenge.
Bethany, age 16, from Milford Haven. Bethany, who has Down's Syndrome, attended the Taking Flight Theatre Company which helped raise her self-confidence and social skills, and discover her passion for acting. Bethany will be partnered with her mother, Amanda.
Daniel, age 18 from Derbyshire. At 14 Daniel was diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis; an inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. The condition left him in a coma and he spent six and a half months in hospital. Daniel had to learn to eat, walk and talk again. Even now Daniel struggles with balance and co-ordination. He currently attends the Umbrella Play and Learn Scheme, which gives young people with addition access to leisure and sports activities. He will be pedalling the rickshaw with his mother, Carol.
Eleanor, age 16, from Upminster, Essex. Eleanor was bullied at school having been born with a severe bi-lateral cleft lip. Through CLAPA (the Cleft Lip And Palate Association), Eleanor received support and counselling to raise her self-confidence and self-image. Now an official ambassador for the charity, Eleanor will be undertaking the challenge with her father, Keith.
Peter, 17, from Cornwall. Aged 11, Peter was involved in a car crash that claimed the lives of his mother and sister. Peter attends Penhaligon's Friends, a charity to help those who've lost a close family member which continues to help him through his bereavement. Completing the challenge to honour his mother and sister, Peter will be riding with his father, Geoff.
As those who have benefited from the Children In Need, the young riders are undertaking the challenge to raise as much money as possible to help other young people across the country. So far, the figure stands at over £154,000 and the team will be hoping to add to that with half the journey still to go.
With some of the worst weather of the winter so far, it has been incredibly tough going but, hopefully, the sun will shine tomorrow in Salford to cheer them up.
They are being helped by veteran rickshaw rider Matt Baker, who will be giving them advice along the way… "I only hope that the UK gets out on the streets as they have done in the past; it's this support that will get them to the finish line. I'll be cycling alongside through all four nations so I hope to see you waving - even if you can't sleep, come and see us as the team will be rickshawing around the clock. Thanks in advance for your support, here's to raising a fortune!"
There's been daily updates on the team's progress on The One Show, tweets along the route on Twitter #TeamRickshaw and loads more details at www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey or click here
To support the challenge and donate £5, text "TEAM 'to 70705.
Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message; £5 will go to BBC Children in Need. Go to bbc.co.uk/oneshow for full terms and conditions. You must be over 16 and ask the bill payer's permission.
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