North East residents are being urged to cheer on BBC Children in Need's Rickshaw Challenge when it sets off in Sunderland on Monday morning.
The annual fundraiser has been going since 2011 when BBC One Show presenter and County Durham lad Matt Baker rode a Rickshaw 484 miles from the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade to the BBC’s Broadcasting House in London. Matt and the team raised £1.9million for BBC Children in Need on that first ride. In the 10 years since £41m has been collected.
Subsequent challenges have taken in routes from Llandudno to Reading and last year's adventure was from Bristol to Edinburgh raising £2m.
Read more: Autistic Sunderland teen to take part in BBC Children in Need's Rickshaw Challenge
One of this year's contestants is none other than 16-year-old Alexander Walker from Sunderland, who will be joined by four other inspirational young people in taking on the relay ride over the span of five days.
Each youngster involved has been supported by BBC Children in Need funded projects.
Alexander was diagnosed with autism when he was just two years old, and will be setting off from his beloved football team Sunderland AFC on the initial leg of the challenge, supported by Matt Baker and kicking off at 8.30am tomorrow (October 17).
Speaking about the wonderful experience, Alexander said: "I’m so excited to be a part of this year’s Rickshaw Relay team, and to be starting at Sunderland AFC is like a dream come true. I can’t wait to head out on the road alongside Matt Baker and see all of the challenge’s supporters from the north east coming out on the road.
"If you can’t make it then please tune in and watch when the documentary airs!"
And Sunderland City Council have backed young Alex to complete the challenge in style, with council leaders sharing kind messages of support to the teen who is set to ride the famous yellow rickshaw across Wearside.
Councillor Graeme Miller, the Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "We're thrilled that BBC Children in Need have chosen to start this year's Rickshaw Challenge in Sunderland and both proud and delighted that Alexander has been chosen to ride the first leg.
"Alexander's story is a really inspirational one and I hope that people will come along to cheer him on when he sets out with Matt Baker on the Rickshaw Challenge from the Stadium of Light at 8.30 on Monday, and at the other stopping points along the way on his journey through our fantastic city."
Here's everywhere you can cheer on Alexander, as he makes his way across the City of Sunderland for the BBC Children in Need's Rickshaw Challenge 2022.
Monday 17th October stops:
- Sunderland AFC's Stadium of Light – Start 8:30
- Grace House, Southwick – 8:40
- Northern Saints Primary School, Southwick –9:03
- Hylton Castle – 9:13
- Castletown Primary School, Castletown –9:20
- Barbara Priestman Academy, Meadowside –10:20
- Southmoor Academy Secondary School, Grangetown –11:15
- Hill View Junior School, Hill View –11:15
- Easingston C of E Primary School, Easington – 12:45
- Sherburn Primary School, Sherburn – 14:20
- Palace Green, Durham – Finish 15:00
For exact timings, people can also see where Matt and Alexander are via the Rickshaw tracker at: https://live.opentracking.co.uk/cin2022/
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