North East residents are being urged to cheer on BBC Children in Need's Rickshaw Challenge when it kicks off in the City of Sunderland on Monday morning.
Wearside teenager 16-year-old Alexander Walker, is one of five inspirational young people chosen to take part in the relay style ride over five days. All have been supported by BBC Children in Need funded projects.
Alexander, who was diagnosed with autism when he was two, will be setting off from his beloved Sunderland AFC on the first leg of the challenge alongside Matt Baker at approximately 8.30am on Monday 17 October.
Alexander said: "I’m so excited to be a part of this year’s Rickshaw Relay team, and to be starting at Sunderland AFC is like a dream come true. I can’t wait to head out on the road alongside Matt Baker and see all of the challenge’s supporters from the north east coming out on the road. If you can’t make it then please tune in and watch when the documentary airs!"
Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "We're thrilled that BBC Children in Need have chosen to start this year's Rickshaw Challenge in Sunderland and both proud and delighted that Alexander has been chosen to ride the first leg.
"Alexander's story is a really inspirational one and I hope that people will come along to cheer him on when he sets out with Matt Baker on the Rickshaw Challenge from the Stadium of Light at 8.30 on Monday, and at the other stopping points along the way on his journey through our fantastic city."
Each rider will take a section of the journey, travelling through their hometowns and visiting places across the UK which hold a particular significance for them along the way. For Alexander that means dropping in on some of the schools and charities that have helped him to make new friends, learn new skills, and become more confident and independent.
The Rickshaw Relay will take place between Monday 17 and Friday 21 October. This year, in a first for the challenge, BBC Breakfast will be live with Matt Baker MBE and the team every morning from 6:00am where the public will be able to follow their journey.
Monday 17th October stops:
These are the places and the approximate times where you can cheer on Matt and Alexander and the Rickshaw Challenge:
- Sunderland AFC – Start 8:30
- Grace House – 8:40
- Northern Saints Primary School –9:03
- Hylton Castle – 9:13
- Castletown Primary School –9:20
- Barbara Priestman Academy –10:20
- Southmoor Academy Secondary School –11:15
- Hill View Junior School –11:15
- Easingston C of E Primary School – 12:45
- Sherburn Primary School – 14:20
- Palace Green, Durham – Finish 15:00
The challenge will be broadcast in a documentary, The Rickshaw Relay Rides Again , on BBC One on Tuesday 15 November.
The one-off special, will not only share the team’s remarkable stories but also celebrate the history of the much-loved BBC Children in Need staple, at the same time as raising life-changing money for the charity, as part of its 2022 Appeal.
People who would like to follow the Rickshaw Relay on its journey can do so via BBC Breakfast every morning, on @BBCBreakfast and @BBCCiN on social media. For exact timings, they can also see where Matt and Alexander are via the Rickshaw tracker at: https://live.opentracking.co.uk/cin2022/
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