South East BBC Radio Teams Prepare for Children in Need Swim Challenge

BBC radio teams located in the South East region are preparing to undertake a collective 48-mile swimming endeavor aimed at fundraising for Children in Need. The teams representing Kent, Surrey, and Sussex are scheduled to commence their participation in this national challenge on Monday, with an anticipated completion by Friday. The Kent team’s segment is slated to begin at The Weald Leisure Centre in Cranbrook, whereas the contributions from the Sussex and Surrey teams will be distributed across their respective counties. Will Flockton of BBC Radio Sussex commented on the challenge, stating: “When I heard about the challenge I thought it was going to be a breeze as a strong swimmer in my younger days, but boy, 50 metres is a long way when you start doing it!” Mr. Flockton further remarked: “I’m really looking forward to doing a mile every day though. “It’s really quite relaxing and therapeutic, serenely swimming away.” Across the United Kingdom, BBC radio stations are set to collectively cover a distance of 1,000 miles through swimming as part of this initiative. Sophia Atkins, representing BBC Radio Surrey, expressed that she was “nervous for the challenge but very excited,” adding, “I’m sure I’m going to get quite tired as the week goes on, but it will be a good excuse to eat a little extra chocolate!” Adam Dowling from BBC Radio Kent is also participating in the challenge, notwithstanding his inability to swim. Prior to the event, he undertook his initial swimming lesson in over three decades, during which he acquired the breaststroke technique. The presenter intends to swim 25 metres as his contribution to the fundraising drive. Former Team GB swimmers Rebecca Adlington and Mark Foster are lending their support to The Thousand Mile Challenge. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.