BBC presenter Sara Cox's epic fundraising challenge for Children in Need has prompted calls for her to receive a damehood.
Sara completed her extraordinary 135-mile Great Northern Marathon Challenge on Friday (14th November), raising more than £9.5 million for BBC Children in Need.
And the feat has prompted a wave of public calls for her to be elevated to Dame status.
The 50-year-old spent five days running the equivalent of five marathons, beginning in Kielder Forest and travelling through Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire before reaching the finish line in Pudsey.
Her route included key stretches through the Harrogate district, passing crowds of supporters in Ripley, Beckwithshaw and surrounding villages, where residents braved wind and driving rain to cheer her on.
Speaking to Radio 2 colleague Scott Mills after completing the final miles in the aftermath of Storm Claudia, Sara said:
"It's just the hardest thing I've ever done, I've never known pain like it.
"But then I've never had eye contact with so many amazing woman who have just powered me on.
"On the side of the road, in the driving rain, it was bitterly cold. The truck drivers honking their horns, the farmers stopping work just to come and say hi.
"Thanks to everybody who let me stop for a wee at their house - it was a few people!"
Sara received messages of support ahead of her final push from the Prince of Wales and Sir Rod Stewart, giving her what she called a much-needed boost as she neared the finish.
She jokingly referred to herself as an “honorary Yorkshire woman” on completing the challenge and was visibly shocked when the total raised - £9,523,028 - was revealed live on air.
Viewers and listeners took to social media to praise the broadcaster, with many urging that she be honoured formally.
One message read:
“I am in awe - you are a legend.”
Another added:
“When is it going to be Dame Sara Cox?”
Donations to support Sara Cox’s challenge and BBC Children in Need remain open, with details available through the official Children in Need website here.
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