Rickshaw Challenge raises £3.4m for Children in Need

This year saw the return of the One Show’s Rickshaw Challenge. Now in its fifth year, the rickshaw, pedalled by six young riders, travelled from Land’s End to the East End – a 470-mile journey – and raised £3.4m.

One of the riders involved, 17-year-old George Dixon from  Weybridge, was selected following his involvement with Tommy D, a bereavement project from the Woking & Sam Beare Hospices, funded by BBC Children in Need.

Get Surrey reports how George’s father, Andy, had gone out for a short bike ride one Sunday afternoon in September 2012 when he was knocked from his bike by a car. He later died in hospital. By donating his kidney, pancreas, corneas, sclera and liver, he helped to save or improve the lives of 11 people.

George said it was very hard to get back on a bike after his dad was killed, and that it took almost a year.

Speaking before the Rickshaw challenge, he said:

“Losing my dad was, and still is difficult, but the support of the group made a huge difference. Knowing that they’re funded by BBC Children in Need really made me want to undertake the Rickshaw Challenge so I’m really happy to be chosen. I know it will be tough, but I also know that it’ll help raise money to help even more young people.”

Elsewhere, there was plenty more cycle-themed Children in Need activity going on.

In Bath, head receptionist at Edgar Buildings Dental Care, Sam Evison, covered rather less ground. Her challenge began on George Street, Bath at 8.30am and ended in exactly the same location with her having pedalled 108 miles on an exercise bike.

Also on exercise bikes, the team at Marshall Land Rover in Lincoln cycled the total distance between Marshall Land Rover sites – just over 230 miles. They also held a cake sale. It’s not known how many they bought themselves to fuel their efforts.

Rob Carpenter from Unique Party in Scunthorpe put a bit of time in on the old turbo trainer. He rode 175 miles on one between 9am and 5pm.

Children’s bike specialists Islabikes also got involved. All the staff in Ludlow, Shropshire, spent the day on the phones or preparing Islabikes in full costume as well as taking time out to collect around the local area.

The firm’s Children in Need fancy dress day has become an annual tradition and thanks to roadworks on the A49 last year, the company filled an extra tin whilst keeping the queue entertained – one driver handing over a full bag of spare change.

“As a company dedicated to giving children a better experience of cycling, we’re very proud to support the work of Children in Need and have fun here in the process,” said company director and designer Isla Rowntree.