Owain Wyn Evans completes four-nation cycle ride for Children In Need

Summarised from 3 outlets · 9 reports · Updated 13 Nov, 18:44 · Archive

BBC Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans completed a five-day cycle through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales, raising over £3.3 million for Children In Need.

Owain Wyn Evans, 42, completed his four-nation cycling challenge in Cardiff on Friday morning after riding almost 400 miles over five days. He set off from Glasgow on 9 November and cycled through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales, finishing in Cardiff's Central Square just after 11 am.

Evans finished to a cheering crowd and was met by his husband, Arran Rees. The challenge raised over £3.3 million for BBC Children In Need. The BBC said the challenge would be the 'greatest-ever distance' covered in a Radio 2 fundraising endeavour for the charity.

On the final day, the Princess of Wales sent Evans a message of support, speaking to him in Welsh on BBC Radio 2. She said: 'Hi Owain, it's Catherine, you're doing so well. Keep going! Wishing you all the very best!' Evans responded that her Welsh pronunciation was 'perfect'.

Evans' bike was named Shania Chain in honour of Shania Twain, who sent him a message of good luck before the challenge began. Other supporters who sent messages included Queen drummer Roger Taylor. The pop group Steps released a new version of their debut hit 5, 6, 7, 8, retitled 5, 6, 7, donate, to boost Evans' spirits on the longest day of his challenge.

On crossing the finish line, Evans said: 'I can't believe I'm here. It's overwhelming, all the love and passion and commitment people have shown.' He described the challenge as 'the hardest challenge of my life, 100 per cent'. He told supporters the funds would help children who need assistance from Children In Need.

How it is being reported

• 'It's been amazing' - Owain Wyn Evans completes four-nation Children in Need rideOwain Wyn Evans cycled almost 400 miles, setting off from Glasgow and finishing in Cardiff.BBC News · 13 Nov, 13:24
• Owain Wyn Evans says ‘I can’t believe I’m here’ as he finishes cycling challengeThe BBC Radio 2 presenter, 42, did a five-day cycle ride that took him through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales.Evening Standard · 13 Nov, 12:27
• BBC presenter finishes four-nation cycle ride raising over £3m for Children In NeedA cheering crowd greeted Owain Wyn Evans as he crossed the finish line in CardiffThe Independent · 13 Nov, 12:21
• Owain Wyn Evans says ‘I can’t believe I’m here’ as he finishes cycling challengeThe BBC Radio 2 presenter, 42, did a five-day cycle ride that took him through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales.Evening Standard · 13 Nov, 11:53
• Kate Middleton cheers on Owain Wyn Evans with ‘perfect’ Welsh message for Children in Need challengeThe Welsh broadcaster is on the final day of his cycle ride that has taken him through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and WalesEvening Standard · 13 Nov, 10:10
• Kate cheers Owain Wyn Evans in his native Welsh on last day of his charity cycle rideThe 42-year-old Welshman is in the midst of a five-day cycle ride for Children In NeedThe Independent · 13 Nov, 09:58
• Kate sends Welsh message of support to Owain Wyn Evans on final day of challengeThe Welsh broadcaster is taking part in a five-day cycle ride that will take him through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales.Evening Standard · 13 Nov, 09:03
• Kate sends Welsh message of support to Owain Wyn Evans on final day of challengeThe Welsh broadcaster is taking part in a five-day cycle ride that will take him through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales.Evening Standard · 13 Nov, 08:55
• Owain Wyn Evans fights back tears as Children in Need cycling challenge raises over £1mThe Radio 2 presenter is continuing his mammoth 400-mile journey across the UKEvening Standard · 11 Nov, 17:37

In this story: Owain Wyn Evans · Princess Kate · Children In Need · BBC Radio 2 · Arran Rees · Glasgow · Cardiff

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