Teachers and pupils across the South West and beyond kicked off a wave of endurance feats on Friday to drive fundraising for the annual BBC Children in Need appeal.
Teachers Complete 26-Mile School Run
Inspired by the number 26, Perranporth Community School reception teacher Amy Williamson and Year 3 teacher Laura Pryor ran a combined 26 miles to arrive at school in time for morning assembly, BBC News reported. The educators already surpassed an initial milestone by securing £5,000 in local sponsorships.
“As a teacher we’re always trying to champion our underserved children and Children in Need as a charity does exactly that.”
Further south in Plymouth, Marine Academy hosted BBC Devon as teaching staff tackled a grueling 26-hour treadmill run. These regional efforts formed part of a broader logistical push to escort the iconic Pudsey mascot from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
Eight-Year-Old Sets Mineral Line Pace
In West Somerset, eight-year-old Peggy Roberts took on her own endurance test, running a full marathon in two-mile stages along the old mineral line between Washford and Roadwater, the West Somerset Free Press reported.
Drawing motivation from online fitness coach Joe Wicks, the Old Cleeve Church of England First School pupil initially aimed for £100. Backed by family, friends, and the Minehead Barbarians Rugby Club, she pushed her fundraising total past £620 ahead of the Friday deadline.
Her father, Kyle Roberts, said she is doing amazing as she is not a natural runner, and they are so proud of her.
| Fundraiser | Location | Challenge Format | Amount Raised / Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amy Williamson & Laura Pryor | Perranporth | Half marathon split (26 miles total) | £5,000 |
| Peggy Roberts (Age 8) | Washford | Marathon via two-mile stages | £620+ (£100 goal) |
| Mo Williams | Newport | Marathon with egg and spoon (105 laps) | 200%+ of £1,000 goal |
Egg and Spoon Track Marathon in Newport
Meanwhile, Newport resident Mo Williams completed a full marathon around the running track at Newport Stadium while balancing an egg on a spoon, InYourArea reported. The October half-term effort required 105 laps of the Spytty venue.
Williams, who previously ran between every Greggs location in Cardiff in 2025, cleared double his original £1,000 target with the help of colleagues from Cineworld Cinemas, RUNNewport, and Wholesome Health & Fitness.
“I would just like to thank everyone who helped me.”
Pudsey 2p Challenge and Baking for Charity
In West Yorkshire, the annual Pudsey 2p Challenge returned to Pudsey Leisure Centre for its seventh year, inviting local families and schools to construct a giant Pudsey Bear out of copper coins, the West Leeds Dispatch reported. The event runs from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, channeling contributions directly into national grants.
Closer to the Atlantic coast, 16-year-old Harriet—recognized as a BBC Make a Difference Young Hero finalist—spent her day decorating cupcakes with Pudsey’s face at a café near St Austell. BBC News noted her ongoing commitment to community support.
“I think helping others is important so people know they’re not alone and get support elsewhere,” she told BBC News.
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