South East BBC Radio Teams Conclude Children in Need Swim Challenge

Local BBC radio teams situated in the South East have successfully finished their Children in Need swimming challenge. The teams representing Kent, Surrey, and Sussex commenced swimming a collective distance of 48 miles (77.2km) on Monday, concluding the effort on Friday afternoon. Sophia Atkins, a producer for BBC Radio Surrey and also a swimming teacher, completed two miles (3.2km) daily as part of the challenge. She stated: “I’m exhausted but I’m enjoying it. Children in Need helps some great charities in our area so that’s why I’m doing it.” Morgan Webb, an apprentice at BBC Radio Surrey, commented: “I’ve grown up with Children in Need, I remember every year sitting down to watch it with my parents, I remember the build up to it at school when we’d start fundraising, we’d be wearing Pudsey ears, we’d be wearing the wristbands, it was a really big deal. “To be able to actually be a part of it and to just do something I love, which is swimming, and to combine those two things, it feels really special.” Adam Dowling from BBC Radio Kent also participated in the challenge, notwithstanding his inability to swim. Prior to the challenge, he received his initial swimming lesson in over 30 years and managed to swim 25 metres unaided by a float. He remarked: “I felt quite emotional when I arrived at the deep end.”I struggled with my breathing towards the end – but I did it!” Executive producer Vicki Berry stated: “The team have been so impressive, firstly [by] volunteering to dive straight in, but [also by] sticking to it this week.” BBC radio stations throughout the UK aimed to collectively swim 1,000 miles and have, to date, accumulated more than £100,000. The Thousand Mile Challenge receives support from former Team GB swimmers Rebecca Adlington and Mark Foster. Further information is available at bbc.co.uk/swim. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.