Vernon Kay Ultramarathon challenge LIVE — Total raised for Children in Need revealed as Radio 2 star left ‘speechless’
BIG-HEARTED Vernon Kay has raised over £5million for BBC Children in Need following Ultramarathon.
In total, he travelled over 115 miles. Kay kicked off his ultramarathon for BBC Children in Need at 9am on Tuesday and completed the marathon on Friday.
The challenge started in Victoria Park in Leicester, and ended in the his hometown of Bolton where he was given a hero's welcome.
Speaking to Alex Scott during Children In Need, Vernon was left "speechless" after being told the new total raised for charity.
The star has now raised over £5,00,000 since the start of the challenge.
Follow our live blog below for the latest news and updates...
Just 8 miles to go
Vernon Kay has reached his day 4 pitstop after setting off at 5:30 am.
Vernon has just 8 miles to go before he reaches the crowds currently gathered in Bolton.
BBC Radio 2 is currently airing live from Bolton Wanderers' stadium.
How do I keep track of Vernon Kay’s ultramarathon route?
As Vernon takes on his ultramarathon, his fans will be able to keep up-to-date with his progress on .
The challenge will be broadcast live on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, with video highlights and further coverage on the broadcaster’s social channels.
During the challenge, Vernon’s fellow Radio 2 presenters will be offering the brave star lots of support on their own shows, and keeping him motivated and spurred on with messages from the listeners.
Vernon smashes £3million
Vernon Kay has raised over £3million for Children In Need and the challenge is not even over yet.
Speaking to Zoe on BBC Radio 2, the latest grand total was announced causing Vernon to let out a might roar.
The star is close to finally completing his epic journey.
How to support Vernon Kay as race raises nearly £3million
Vernon is well into the final day of his ultramarathon and still going strong.
He has now raised over £2,700,000 and counting for Children In Need.
If you’d like to support his epic journey you can do so with a text donation –
Take a look at the moment Vernon set off
Vernon had a shorter rest period last night as he set off super early this morning.
Vernon finished day three after 10pm last night where he discovered he had raised a staggering £2,700,493.
Vernon's final day
Vernon is heading to Bolton!
Vernon will be passing Salford as he moves onto Little Hulton.
He will cross the M61 into Chew Moor before finally arriving in Bolton.
Vernon Kay is back on the run for day 4
Vernon Kay was off earlier than usual this morning.
The Radio 2 star set off at 5:30am to complete the final leg of his journey.
His marching orders simply to travel 16 miles on foot to Bolton Wanderers' football stadium.
Good luck Vernon!
How to support Vernon Kay as race raises over £1,880,000
Vernon completed the third day of his ultramarathon and is set to finish sometime this morning.
He has now raised over £1,880,000 and counting for Children In Need.
If you’d like to support his epic journey you can do so with a text donation –
Vernon ‘hits the wall’
Vernon Kay “hit the wall” yesterday afternoon as he continued his quest to finish an ultramarathon for Children In Need.
The BBC star revealed his struggles in a video update on Instagram, explaining how needed to just stop and “have a cry.”
Watch the update below.
When is Children In Need 2023?
Children In Need returns every year to raise money for those less fortunate across Britain.
The show will air TODAY, Friday November 17, and will star some of Britain’s biggest names.
This year’s show will include a Doctor Who special ahead of the show’s return next week.
What is Children In Need?
Children In Need is the BBC’s UK charity which aims to support disadvantaged children and young people.
Since it began, the annual televised appeals have raised a whopping £1.5billion.
The mascot is Pudsey the bear who is yellow with a polka-dot bandage covering one eye.
A tough morning
Vernon said Thursday was tougher than usual, as his muscles took a while to warm up.
Speaking to the BBC he said: “Tough one this morning. I’ve just been talking to Tess on the phone. Physically it takes a while for your muscles to warm up.
“But today it took more than usual to get the brain going – and to get my brain in positive gear, not down in the dumps gear.”
Vernon was overwhelmed when he crossed the line
Vernon looked overwhelmed and admitted to being "absolutely spent" as he finally completed his incredible challenge, which kicked off on Tuesday.
Chatting to Radio 2 breakfast host Zoe Ball as he crossed the line, Vernon said the brutal ultramarathon, in aid of Children in Need, had been "one of the most painful and joyous experiences I've ever had".
He then jokingly asked: "Is there anyone here who can replace a knee?"
Vernon added: "I'm absolutely exhausted, absolutely spent, physically, mentally."
Vernon’s mum and dad surprise him on air
Vernon was surprised with a phone call from him mum and dad live on the radio last night.
The gave him support to carry on the epic challenge.
Vernon’s mum said: “Give my love to all those people around you that are keeping you standing up…Get some rest. Keep it up.”
What else do we know about Vernon Kay’s challenge?
During the challenge, Kay’s fellow Radio 2 presenters will be offering the star lots of support on their own shows, and keeping him motivated and spurred on with messages from the listeners.
Vernon will also be broadcasting his own weekday morning show live while undertaking the challenge.
He’ll be joined on his journey by a variety of special guests to keep him going.
What did Vernon say this morning?
Speaking on BBC Radio 2, Vernon said: "It was an interesting one yesterday because I was absolutely shattered after the 40 miles and then I came in and then there’s obviously… your body pumps itself full of adrenaline when you see everyone smiling and clapping and cheering, and whooping and hollering.
"And then there’s that lull, where you just sit down and you kind of slowly take it all in and try and compute what’s happened and then I got into my bedroom and I just literally collapsed on the bed!
"And this morning, I couldn’t wake up and I felt really a bit, I said to the gang, I said “I feel sick this morning, I feel a bit light-headed, stomachs not the best”, and they were like “oh it’s to be expected, because of everything that you’ve done.”"
How do I keep track of Vernon Kay’s ultramarathon route?
As Vernon takes on his ultramarathon, his fans will be able to keep up-to-date with his progress on .
The challenge will be broadcast live on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, with video highlights and further coverage on the broadcaster’s social channels.
During the challenge, Vernon’s fellow Radio 2 presenters will be offering the brave star lots of support on their own shows, and keeping him motivated and spurred on with messages from the listeners.
Vernon will also be broadcasting his own weekday morning show live whilst undertaking the challenge.
He’ll be joined on his journey by a variety of special guests to keep him going.
Who is Tess Daly?
Tess Daly was born Helen Daly on April 27, 1969, in Stockport, Cheshire, and grew up in Derbyshire.
She lives in Fulmer, Buckinghamshire, with husband Vernon Kay.
Tess has a younger sister called Karen, who Tess was out shopping with when she was spotted by a modelling headhunter, at the age of 18.
Her career as a model saw her live in many countries and she was based in Paris and New York for five years each.
Tess began presenting BBC One’s dance contest Strictly back in 2004, and was joined by co-host Bruce Forsyth for ten years.
Then in 2014 he retired from the programme to be replaced by Claudia Winkleman, who remains as Tess’ partner to this day.
How to support Vernon Kay as race raises over £1,800,000
Vernon is well into the third day of his ultramarathon and still going strong.
He has now raised over £1,800,000 and counting for Children In Need.
If you’d like to support his epic journey you can do so with a text donation –
Vernon 'collapsed into bed' last night
Speaking to Zoe on BBC Radio 2 this morning, Vernon revealed how he was feeling when he finished day two.
Vernon said: "I was absolutely shattered after the 40 miles...I got into my bedroom and literally collapsed."
When he got up this morning he said he was feeling "sick", but nothing was stopping him from eating a huge breakfast this morning including black puddings, bacon and sausages.
Vernon has received more than just support
Vernon said he'd been handed Bakewell tarts to fuel his journey, adding: “We've got several, we're saving then until later.
“A lovely lady just handed me a flask of hot vegetable soup
“I don't know how I'll get it back to her.”
Vernon reveals how his game plan went yesterday
Before setting off yesterday morning, Vernon claimed he would walk for 40 minutes and then run for 40 minutes and so on.
However, during the gruelling 40 miles yesterday, Vernon said: "‘I did promise myself that I would walk 40 [minutes], run 40 [minutes], walk 40, run 40 minutes but, I’m not just saying this, and it sounds really soppy, but the fact that people are taking time out of their busy schedules to come and stand by the road and whoop and holler and cheer and put money in the buckets… I walked for 20 minutes and I’ve run the last 12 miles because it’s so inspiring!
"Knowing that people are wishing me good luck and I think for me psychologically if they are wishing me good luck and I’m walking it’s not really a challenge.
"So the challenge for me personally for Children in Need is to see if I can jog this. And 40 miles… it’s a long way."
Vernon's mum and dad surprise him on air
Vernon was surprised with a phone call from him mum and dad live on the radio last night.
The gave him support to carry on the epic challenge.
Vernon's mum said: "Give my love to all those people around you that are keeping you standing up...Get some rest. Keep it up."
Spaceman sends support
In another show of support for Vernon Kay’s out-of-this-world effort, astronaut Tim Peake sent the BBC star a message.
He told the BBC: “Hello Vernon, can I be the first to say welcome to the ‘Peake’ District. That was a really bad pun wasn’t it?
“Joking aside, what you are doing is absolutely fantastic, what an incredible challenge. I know it’s going to be really physically arduous and you’re pushing yourself to your limits but you’re raising money for such an incredible cause.
“Everybody is right behind you so keep going, keep putting one foot in front of the other. We’ll be following your progress all the way. You’re doing a brilliant job, well done.”
When is Children In Need 2023?
Children In Need returns every year to raise money for those less fortunate across Britain.
The show will air tomorrow, Friday November 17, and will star some of Britain's biggest names.
This year's show will include a Doctor Who special ahead of the show's return next week.