Owain Wyn Evans is to take on this year’s BBC Children in Need challenge.
The BBC charity, which is based at MediaCity, confirmed that the BBC Early Breakfast show presenter will cycle through all 4 nations – the station’s longest distance challenge to date.
The 5 day mission begins on 9th November in Glasgow and will see him pedal almost 400 miles through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and then Wales, where he finishes in central Cardiff.
“When I said yes to this challenge, I knew it would push me well outside my comfort zone,” he said.
“It’s going to be tough, demanding and probably a little daunting at times, but I’m ready to give it absolutely everything I’ve got.
“Sara [Cox], Paddy [McGuinness] and Vernon [Kay] have achieved some truly extraordinary things for BBC Children in Need over the years, so I’ve got a lot to live up to. Hopefully, I’ll have the incredible support of Radio 2 listeners behind me from start to finish.
“Together, we can make a real difference for children and young people across the UK, helping to make sure they have someone by their side when they need it the most.”
This is his second challenge for BBC Children in Need. In his previous role as North West BBC weather presenter (and following a viral video of him drumming to the BBC News theme tune) he took part in BBC Breakfast’s Drumathon in 2021, drumming for 24 hours and raising more than £3.8 million for Children in Need.
“Once again Radio 2 is supporting BBC Children in Need with an incredible multi-day challenge, this time taken on by our resident early bird and host of Early Breakfast, Owain,” added Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2.
“I know our amazing listeners right across the UK will come together on air and on the streets to support him, as he pushes himself to his limit across all four nations.
“A huge thank you to Owain for picking up the Pudsey backpack baton from Sara on behalf of the many thousands of children who will benefit from his endeavour. Everyone at Radio 2 and our millions of listeners wish him the very best of luck!”
Also accompanying Owain on his journey will be a BBC TV crew, who will document his experience for a BBC One film, produced by BBC Studios Entertainment to be broadcast in November.
Owain’s 4 Nations Cycle Challenge follows Sara Cox’s Great Northern Marathon Challenge in 2025, when she ran, jogged and walked from the Kielder Forest in Northumberland to Pudsey in Leeds, raising £11.7m for BBC Children in Need.
“Owain’s incredible challenge is about so much more than the miles he’ll cover,” said Claire Hoyle, CEO of BBC Children in Need.
“At a time when so many children are facing rising challenges, it’s the amazing generosity of the public and the fantastic Radio 2 family that enables us to help more children build confidence, feel hopeful about the future and know they’re not facing challenges alone.
“We know Owain will need buckets of determination, resilience and stamina to take on this epic adventure, and everyone at BBC Children in Need will be cheering him on throughout the journey. We can’t wait to see him rise to the challenge and inspire the nation along the way!”
This year BBC Children in Need’s appeal is Challenge Yourself 2026. People of all ages are being encouraged to create a challenge inspired by the number 26 and raise money.
