BBC presenter Sara Cox became emotional during the Children in Need documentary about her 135-mile charity marathon BBC Children in Need viewers were moved to tears as Sara Cox became visibly emotional while discussing the family tragedy that drove her to complete a record-breaking charity run. In deeply touching scenes, Sara opened up about losing her brother David, a dedicated Ironman athlete who died unexpectedly in 2019, saying the loss “completely destroyed” her family and continues to shape everything she does. Sara said: “My brother David died really suddenly in 2019, and it really completely destroyed all the family, like it came out of nowhere, and he was a real athlete, he ran countless Iron Man competitions he was proper. “I don’t think he’d be able to believe I’m doing this. I think he’d be super proud. I’m hoping that I’ve just got a bit of strength from him today.” David Cox died aged 56, just weeks before Christmas, from an undiagnosed heart condition. Taking a breather during the gruelling challenge, she also paid tribute to youngsters struggling with mobility problems, saying she wanted them to feel seen and supported. “This is for all the children who walk funny or have wonky legs and get picked on like I did in school.” The emotional moments aired during Wednesday’s behind-the-scenes update (November 19) following her incredible 135-mile Great Northern Marathon Challenge five marathons across five days completed for this year’s Children in Need appeal, reports the Express. The moving programme depicted the Radio 2 presenter battling against severe conditions, agonising shin pain and utter exhaustion as she trekked from Kielder Forest to Pudsey. Viewers were brought to tears by the inspiring scenes of her embracing supporters along the route and sharing stories of young people who have benefited from the charity, including Austin, a child living with Muscular Dystrophy. “14 minutes in and already bawlin, g Sara Cox: Every Step Of The Way. Amazing lady,” one fan enthusiastically expressed. Another wrote: “I have always admired #Saracox. But this really is just simply amazing.” A third chimed in, “Crying again at the amazing Sara Cox. What an absolute legend.” Another responded, “Me too.. can’t stop crying.. so proud of Sara Cox.” The documentary revealed that she had never completed more than 5km before undertaking the challenge, but was aided by a dedicated support crew, including Olympian Greg Whyte and on-call physiotherapists. Scenes also showed crowds gathering along pavements throughout Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire, propelling her forward with homemade banners and waving Pudsey bears. Audiences saw her becoming emotional as words of encouragement poured in from celebrity supporters, including Prince William, Mel C, Dame Judi Dench, Ant & Dec and Rod Stewart. Upon reaching the finish line in Pudsey, she was spurred on by cheering crowds, a performance from Mel C and even a display from the Red Arrows she had amassed over £9. 5 million for Children in Need.
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/tv/bbc-children-need-fans-sob-36276239