BBC Radio stars take the plunge for Children in Need

BBC Radio Cornwall presenters have been training in the Sir Ben Ainslie swimming pool for their ‘The Thousand Mile Challenge’ raising money for BBC Children in Need.

BBC Radio Cornwall’s Julie Skentelbery, David Dixon, Hannah Stacey, Daphne Skinnard, Francesca Carpenter, and Lou Symons are swimming 24-miles to help to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people around the UK.

They are joined in the pool by Truro School swimming coach Julia Raines, who will be assisting them within our facilities to train ready for the challenge ahead!

BBC’s Julie Skentelbery said some of the training had been “a revelation”.

“Using my arms and legs gets me there, but in a very slow pace and I do see everyone else in the pool taking it very seriously ducking their heads under water. However, to actually be told what I’m doing is just a revelation.”

Executive producer Skinnard will attempt 64 lengths a day for five days.

“I haven’t swum like this for a long time so it’s wonderful to be back in the water, I’m really trying hard.”

The swim itself will take part between 4th and 8th November. But on-site coaching has already commenced, with BBC Spotlight joining the team next week to broadcast their training session.

The Cornish presenters, alongside other local BBC radio teams across England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, will be cheered on by former Team GB swimmers and Olympians, Rebecca Adlington and Mark Foster –  multiple medal winners who have shared their experience, training tips and words of encouragement to the local teams.

The presenters are swimming to raise money for BBC Children in Need. The charity believes that every child should have the chance to thrive and be the best they can be and supports children in local communities – funding family centres, community spaces, youth clubs, refuges, homeless shelters, hospices and helplines.

Donations for the team’s efforts can be made via the BBC here

Photo Credit: BBC