BBC Essex Team Concludes Children in Need Swimming Challenge

Journalists from BBC Essex have successfully concluded a swimming challenge benefiting Children in Need. This event was part of The Thousand Mile Challenge, undertaken by teams from BBC radio stations nationwide throughout the week, with the Essex team contributing a total of 25 miles (40km). The Essex contingent comprised sports editor Victoria Polley, Rob Jelly from BBC Upload, news editor Claire Sawyer, late breakfast producer Lois Worrow, and sports journalist James Patient. Students from the Elm Green School in Little Baddow provided encouragement to the five-member team during their concluding laps, and Pudsey also briefly entered the water. Individually, each participant completed 70 pool lengths over a period of five days at the Riverside Leisure Centre in Chelmsford. Following her final lap, Lois Worrow informed BBC Essex, “I’m feeling quite tired, when I got out my legs were like jelly.” She added, “It was amazing, the atmosphere was so lovely, with all the school children cheering us on.” On Friday morning, shortly after the team reached the finish line, Rob from BBC Upload stated: “Anyone can do it… if you put your mind to it.” He continued, “These four human beings I’ve swum with this week have been amazing.” Further information is available at bbc.co.uk/swim. Updates on Essex news can be followed on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information concerning our policy on external linking is available.