Celebrities get on their bikes for Sport Relief
Back in 2010, BT Sport Relief challenge veteran David Walliams got together a host of celebrities to help him complete a 1000 mile cycle ride - from John O’Groats to Land’s End.
Jimmy Carr, Fearne Cotton, Miranda Hart, Russell Howard, Patrick Kielty and Davina McCall joined David for the BT Sport Relief Million Pound Bike Ride for no less than 80 hours of intensive pedal power through wind, rain and rough terrain.
Supported by BT, and with the aim of reaching their £1 million target, the team set off in shifts over four days, with one person riding each leg, while the others cheered them on from the team bus.
The team attempted to cycle the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest in day one alone, so it was clear from the outset that this was going to be no leisurely pedal through the countryside. No wonder there were sprains, blisters and tired legs - poor Miranda even came off her bike on day one!
During the four days, the celebs battled brutal conditions, blizzards, snow capped mountains and temperatures as low as minus 15°C - but the desire to raise more money kept them going. Cycling for nearly 82 hours in total, there were falls, cuts, bruises and many a saddle sore as they strived on to Land’s End.
On crossing the finish line on the 5th March, David said: "It has been an amazing challenge, so much harder and more gruelling than any of us thought it would be. To have raised a million pounds in four days is a fantastic thing - thanks so much for everyone who sponsored us, it kept us going."
How your money helped
BT Million Pound Bike Ride raised £1,006,509 for Sport Relief in 2010 to help vulnerable people living incredibly tough lives here in the UK and in some of the world’s poorest countries.
How you can still help
For this year, we’ve got even more celebrity challenges lined up, but we still need your help to make Sport Relief 2012 bigger and better than ever. Simply go to our BT MyDonate page and donate as little or as much as you want.
You can also take part in one of our BT customer challenges happening in the run up to the big night on 23rd March. Thursday 1st March is Buzz for Bishop Day. Any calls made from a BT payphone, BT home or business phone or to BT’s Directory Enquiry Service 118500 on Thursday 1st March will help raise money for Sport Relief .*
See more about BT and Sport Relief 2012
In support of Sport Relief, an initiative of Comic Relief, registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland)
*BT will donate 1p for every phone call made by a BT residential and business calls and lines customer from a BT residential or business landline, every call made from a BT payphone and 25p for every call to BT’s Directory Enquiry Service 118500 from and landline or mobile between 00.01 and 24.00 on the 01/03/12.
