BBC Radio Oxford Personnel Commence Children in Need Swim Challenge

Five staff members from BBC Radio Oxford have initiated their swimming challenge for Children in Need. This initiative is part of The Thousand Mile Challenge, involving groups from BBC radio stations throughout the UK, with each participating station aiming to complete 24 miles (38.6km). The local team comprises Breakfast Show presenter Sophie Law and Breakfast newsreader Dan Freeman, who were advised by gold medal-winning Olympic swimmer Kieran Bird. Completing the team are journalists Sophie Rumsby and Jordan Brooks, alongside apprentice Jem Westgate. To fulfill their objective, each team member must swim 63 lengths daily this week at the Ferry Leisure Centre in Summertown. Ms Law commented: “It was a surprisingly strong start from team Oxford, even featuring some laughing at points… although obviously not from Dan.” She added: “I’m proud of the team for kicking off so well, although many of us already have achy necks, shoulders, or knees after just a fifth of the challenge, so it’s not going to be an easy task at all.” Mr Freeman stated: “I felt good after my one and only practice swim two weeks ago but have come back from a half-term trip away with the man flu and am now dreading it.” However, he mentioned that contemplating the charities set to benefit from their endeavor would provide him with a “boost.” He further remarked: “It’s largely insignificant, the tiredness and the boredom we’re going to go through.” Additional information is available at bbc.co.uk/swim. BBC Oxfordshire can be followed on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Details regarding their approach to external linking are available.