Olympic gold medallist Jonny Brownlee, former professional footballer Chris Kamara and Super League Grand Final champion Jack Sinfield joined schoolchildren in West Yorkshire to celebrate completing a 500-mile challenge in aid of BBC Children in Need.
The sporting stars visited pupils at Outwood Primary Academy Lofthouse Gate in Wakefield, cheering them on during their Run For Pudsey challenge, before joining them for a final ‘golden lap’ to mark the achievement.
The challenge was originally established when the students asked former professional triathlete and a six-time world champion Brownlee to come out of retirement to join their fundraising efforts.
The children recorded a video for Jonny, asking him to attend their school to help raise money for BBC Children in Need. Brownlee accepted during a live interview on BBC Radio Leeds speaking to presenter Gayle Lofthouse.
Brownlee’s involvement prompted other local West Yorkshire celebrities to champion the BBC Children in Need cause, with Chris Kamara and Jack Sinfield joining the BBC Radio Leeds Run for Pudsey team.
As part of the challenge, pupils ran or walked laps of their school field, collectively covering an incredible 500 miles in just four hours and raising thousands of pounds for BBC Children in Need.
Jonny Brownlee said:
“It was brilliant to see the enthusiasm and determination of all the children. To run or walk 500 miles collectively in just four hours is an incredible achievement, and they should be so proud of themselves. It was a real privilege to join them for the golden lap and help celebrate everything they’ve achieved.”
Former Bradford City player and manager Chris Kamara said:
“I absolutely loved being part of the day. The energy and smiles from the children were infectious, and what they've achieved is fantastic. Having faced my own challenges with movement and getting back into running, I know how important it is to keep going, celebrate the little victories and enjoy being active. These youngsters have shown what can be achieved when everyone pulls together.”
Chris had to relearn how to run after being diagnosed with the neurological conditions apraxia and dyspraxia, which affect his speech, balance and movement.
As part of his recovery, he’s now in training to compete at the London Marathon in 2027.
Following in his father Sir Kevin Sinfield’s fundraising footsteps, his son Jack said:
“It's been amazing to see what these youngsters have achieved. My dad has always shown me the importance of using sport to make a difference, and today these children have done exactly that by fundraising for such a worthy cause. To raise thousands of pounds for BBC Children in Need is something they should be incredibly proud of. It was a privilege to be part of this Run for Pudsey challenge alongside my Wakefield Trinity teammates.”
Jack Sinfield took part in the BBC Radio Leeds Children in Need challenge alongside his Wakefield Trinity squad members, Myles Lawford and Corey Abraham.
BBC Radio Leeds Senior Content Producer Tracy Gee said:
“We're incredibly proud to have supported the school with its Run For Pudsey challenge. The children have shown amazing commitment, enthusiasm, and team spirit. It was wonderful to see Jonny and Chris joining in and helping to make the occasion so memorable. Most importantly, the money raised will make a real difference to children and families supported by BBC Children in Need.”
