Home   Weald   News   Article

Children in Need's Rickshaw Challenge 2018 to travel through Kent

One of the major fundraisers for this year's Children in Need - the Rickshaw Challenge - will travel through Kent, it has been confirmed.

Revealed on The One Show on Wednesday night, the annual event has raised more than £21 million since it first took place in 2011.

Presenter Matt Baker will take part in the event alongside a group of fundraising teenagers.

One Show hosts Matt Baker and Alex Jones. Picture: BBC
One Show hosts Matt Baker and Alex Jones. Picture: BBC

This year's route will see the riders travel from Calais to the BBC's studios in Salford, near Manchester, starting on Friday, November 9, and finishing a week later in time for the live TV extravaganza.

It will see the riders first pedal through a service tunnel of the Channel Tunnel before travelling from Folkestone, up through Ashford, then across via Bethersden, Biddenden, Sissinghurst, Lamberhurst and south of Tunbridge Wells before heading into East Sussex.

It will stop in Ashford on the first night where there will be a live TV link-up with The One Show's Alex James.

Ahead of this year’s challenge, Matt Baker said: “Every year the support we get never ceases to amaze me.

One Show's Rickshaw Challenge will raise money for Children in Need
One Show's Rickshaw Challenge will raise money for Children in Need

"It’s fantastic to see how people from all across the UK get behind the challenge.

"I’m looking forward to seeing all those friendly faces willing us on again this year, and helping us to raise so much money for a charity which is incredibly close to my heart.”

Fellow The One Show presenter, Alex Jones added: “It's is a chance for our viewers to really see how funding from BBC Children in Need is making a difference to young people’s lives.

"It’s one of the highlights of our year at The One Show, and I can’t wait to cheer on the team as they conquer another epic journey across the country on the rickshaw.”

This year, a new rickshaw has been built by a team of engineers at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking.

The newly designed rickshaw for the challenge
The newly designed rickshaw for the challenge

The team’s progress will be broadcast live on The One Show throughout the week.

To support the Rickshaw Challenge, you can donate £5, £10 or £20 by text.

To donate £5 text the word TEAM to 70405. To donate £10 text TEAM to 70410. To donate £20 text the word TEAM to 70420.

Texts will cost your donation plus your standard network message charge. All of your donation will go to BBC Children in Need.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More