The One Show’s Children in Need challenge returns to Sussex

The One Show’s Rickshaw challenge returns for a fifth year as a team of six young riders, all of whom have been supported by BBC Children in Need funded projects, pedal their way from Land’s End to the East End.

The journey started on November 6 and the Rickshaw team are set to travel 470 miles over the space of a week, finishing up in Elstree on Friday November 13.

On Wednesday November 11, day six of the journey, they are planning on entering Sussex passing through Midhurst, Petworth, Pulborough, Storrington, Steyning and Shoreham-by-Sea before heading into their final stop of the day in Brighton. The team are planning on stopping at Petworth Primary School and Clayton Farm on this leg of the journey.

On the Thursday, November 12, the team will continue east, heading through Lewes, Ringmer, Stonebridge and Five Ashes before continuing East towards Chatham Dockyard.

The One Show presenters will be on hand throughout the journey to offer support and advice from their own rickshaw experiences.

Matt Baker will cycle alongside the team throughout the challenge, while Alex Jones will split time reporting from The One Show studios and on the road with the team.

Mr Baker said: “It’s that time of year again, and this year’s Team Rickshaw will be warming up for their biggest challenge yet.

“It’s going to be tough but with your help we’re hoping to raise more much needed money for BBC Children in Need.

“We have a truly inspiring group taking on the challenge, and they all have brilliant stories to tell, so please do get behind them and do all you can to show your support, it really will help make a difference.”

The Challenge has already raised more than £7.9 million to date and with one of the hardest routes on record, including a 74 mile stint from Bristol to Winchester, one of the longest days in the Challenge’s history, the team are hoping this year’s efforts will help secure another strong total.

Mrs Jones said: “I am delighted that the Rickshaw Challenge is returning again this year, every year we are astounded at the support people across the UK give to the challenge, and we hope this year will be no different.

“I know first-hand just how difficult it can be, so I am asking you all to dig deep and show your support for this year’s team.”

David Ramsden, BBC Children in Need Chief Executive, added: “Everyone at the Charity is delighted to see the rickshaw return. It’s a very special fundraiser, and this year’s team bring some truly inspiring stories. Thank you to everyone who’s shown support in the past and made the challenge the success it is.”

To support the challenge you can text the word TEAM to 70705 to donate £5 or to donate £10 text GIVE to 70710.

For more information and full terms and conditions go to bbc.co.uk/pudsey.

This year’s Team Rickshaw:

n Erin, 18, from Scotland. Aged eight Erin was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and, despite her cheery personality, she now faces near-constant pain from her condition.

Erin has had multiple operations, but in many places in her body the cartilage and bone have worn away. She joined Arthritis Care aged 14, and credits the project with helping her to cope with her condition.

n George, 17, from Surrey. In September 2012, George’s dad died following a cycling accident. An experienced cyclist, he had gone out for a short ride on a Sunday afternoon when he was knocked down by a car. Since the accident, George and his brother have attended Tommy D, a bereavement counselling group from the The Woking & Sam Beare Hospices.

n Amira, 17, from the West Midlands. In 2013 Amira’s older sister, Elle, suffered a sudden brain haemorrhage and now requires 24 hour care. When Elle was ready to move on from hospital, Amira discovered The Children’s Trust online and Elle attended for rehabilitation.

The Trust also supported Amira, and they helped her to come to terms with her sister’s condition and taught her ways in which she could help to care for Elle. Thanks to fundraisers across the UK, BBC Children in Need has been able to support The Children’s Trust since 1997.

n Lucy, 16, from South Yorkshire. Lucy has cerebral palsy, deafness and sight problems but her buoyant personality and can do attitude have meant that this hasn’t held her back.

Doctors had originally thought she may never be able to walk or talk, but Lucy proved them wrong. For the last four years, she has attended the Cramlington Voluntary Youth Project (CVYP), a BBC Children in Need funded group that works with young people with disabilities. With support from the project, Lucy recently passed her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

n Elliot, 16, from Essex. At 14 Elliot was diagnosed with rare blood cancer, Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He had tumours across his body, including a large growth near his pelvis.

Although now in remission the cancer remains and Elliot will have to be monitored regularly. Throughout his treatment Elliot was supported by Teens Unite, a group set-up to help young people with cancer. Through the project, Elliot met Sadie who became a good friend and a pillar for advice.

Unfortunately she lost her battle to cancer earlier this year. She was the first person that Elliot had known who had died of cancer, and he will be undertaking the Rickshaw Challenge in her memory.

n George G, 16, from London. George has Downs Syndrome and attends Pro Corda – a group which uses music to allow disabled and special education needs children to progress socially and personally.

The organisation has received BBC Children in Need funding since 2007, with George attending for the last four years.