The Thousand Mile Challenge for BBC Children in Need has begun!

BBC Radio presenters across the UK are swapping their headphones for glasses as they embark on this challenge: attempting to swim a combined total of 1,000 miles in just five days. This is equivalent to 64,000 lengths of a 25 meter swimming pool!

BBC Radio Scotland presenters Michelle McManus, Zara Janjua, Gary Innes, Jane Lewis and David Currie launch this week at Allander Leisure Center in Bearsden. The challenge begins today, November 4, and will run until November 8, with each presenter aiming to swim one mile per day. By the end of the week, the team hope to collectively complete 24 miles, contributing to the UK’s overall target of 1,000 miles.

Scot Squad Chief Commissioner Miekelson launched the challenge alongside Scottish swimming champion Ross Murdoch, who will be poolside and providing support this week. “The day-to-day life of this challenge is no small feat,” Murdoch noted. “It’s going to test their endurance both physically and mentally, but it’s for a brilliant cause so there’s plenty of fire and motivation.” I will be there to encourage them until the end! »

Speaking about their excitement (and apprehension) before taking the plunge, the BBC Radio Scotland team said:

Michelle McManus said: “I’m so excited and slightly nervous to be taking part in the Thousand Mile Challenge for BBC Children in Need. Hopefully I’ll make it to the end and not have to be taken out of the pool on a stretcher on the third day. It is a true honor to participate and I give everything for such a great cause. Wish me luck!

Gary Innes shared: “I’m delighted to be part of this year’s challenge for BBC Children in Need. Considering I’ve rarely swum more than one length of the pool except to grab a beer, or to get out of the pool and then do a bomb, this is a tall order! I’ve been training for about eight weeks now, so fingers crossed my armbands last until the end of the week!

Zara Janjua said: “I am so grateful to have the opportunity to raise money for children in need. My body is fit and capable and my mind is more willing with each workout. I’m not a swimmer, in fact if I’m in a pool it’s usually with a cocktail and an inflatable flamingo, so it’s been a real challenge and transformation. I want to help raise as much money as possible for children across the country and that’s why I’m willing to go this far. All 79! »

Jane Lewis added: “I’m strangely looking forward to this challenge, but remind me I said that on day three! I love swimming, but I admit that the endless laps can be mentally difficult. motivated to train and will definitely keep me going for the five days.”

David Currie said: “I went to the same school as Ross Murdoch (about a hundred years ago!) and probably learned to swim in the same pool. That’s where the similarities end. I just hope he’s not too bothered by my terrible breaststroke. But I’m sure it will be worth it because it’s for a good cause. I just hope I don’t let the side down. I managed to get in a tiny bit of training, but a mile a day? This could be difficult! »

Listeners can follow the team’s progress by logging in to BBC Radio Scotland every day, or streaming on BBC Sounds. Additionally, the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content will be available on the station’s social media channels.

Jackie Bird will present a Children in Need special on BBC Scotland on the evening of Friday November 15 at 10pm. This program will feature BBC Radio Scotland’s week-long presenters’ challenge and feature moving stories from children and young people from across Scotland who have benefited from funds raised through BBC Children in Need.

To support BBC Children in Need and the BBC Radio Scotland swimming team, visit the official BBC Children in Need website to learn more about donations.

RS