BBC Radio Berkshire Team Concludes Children in Need Swim Challenge

A group representing BBC Radio Berkshire has successfully finished its swimming challenge in support of Children in Need. This initiative was part of The Thousand Mile Challenge, which saw teams from BBC radio stations nationwide participate, with each station aiming to swim 24 miles (38.6km) over the course of the week. The Berkshire contingent comprised presenters Phil Mercer and Rena Annobil, alongside journalists Sali Shobowale, Katherine Bett, and Ben Pritchard. The participants surpassed their initial expectations, attributing their perseverance during challenging moments to the support of their fellow teammates. Collectively, the team covered a distance of 24.7 miles (39.8km). Ms. Shobowale, who began the challenge as a novice swimmer, expressed that she was “really proud” of her achievement. “I’m surprised that I actually managed to do more than I thought I would,” she stated. She added, “My team has kept me going this whole week and today, just us swimming alongside each other, really encouraged me.” Ms. Annobil similarly credited the team for her endurance, noting that “there’s been a little bit of trauma bonding.” Ms. Bett, identified as one of the more seasoned members of the group, conveyed that she was “so proud” of all participants. She elaborated, “They’ve built up from I think about 20 lengths in their first training session, now they’ve done 62 every day this week.” “They’re hitting personal bests left, right and centre and it is phenomenal,” she concluded. Mr. Pritchard, who also holds a Paralympic gold medal, described everyone as “fantastic,” humorously adding, “They didn’t even need me.” Mr. Mercer admitted he “secretly” found enjoyment in the experience, despite it being “exhausting.” He further stated, “It’s been more than I have ever done physically in my life… it’s really pushing boundaries I did not know I had.” “I will keep swimming, it’s absolutely going to stay in my life, but I might have a week off,” he concluded. Additional information is available at bbc.co.uk/swim. BBC Berkshire can be followed on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Details regarding its external linking policy are also available.