The Rickshaw Challenge for BBC Children in Need is back for 2021, and it is coming to Ulverston! The Children In Need team will be in Ulverston on Thursday, November 4.
However, due to Covid-19 it will look a little different this year. In order to keep everyone safe, instead of riders coming to the rickshaw, the rickshaw will be going to them.
The Great Rickshaw Relay Challenge will see Matt Baker and the team take on a relay-style ride in five chapters, with each rider taking a leg each, travelling through their hometowns and visiting places which hold a particular significance for them along the way.
The five-chapter relay will take place between November 1-5. Members of the public are welcome to show their support whilst Matt Baker and team Rickshaw are on the road but are encouraged to do so in line with Covid-19 regulations.
Who is taking part in the BBC CiN Rickshaw Challenge?
This is the 11th year of the charity challenge, and it will be venturing all the way to Cumbria to meet 20-year-old Harrison from Ulverston.
After a serious bowel infection when he was only one week old, at only 1lb 8oz Harrison’s chance of survival was extremely low.
He suffered two brain bleeds, even more life-threatening infections, a heart duct operation, tracheostomy and hernia operation before he was even eight months old.
Harrison was sent home for what was expected to be his last Christmas.
However, Harrison made a miraculous recovery and has since endured 20 operations in his young life and suffers from Cerebral Palsy and Chronic Lung Disease.
At 3 years-old Harrison joined BBC Children in Need funded project, Sunbeams.
Sunbeams deliver music sessions for young people affected by illness or disability, along with their families in Cumbria, leading to improved communication skills, emotional wellbeing and improved family relationships.
Harrison said: “I love to sing, it makes me so happy and brings so much joy to my life and that is all thanks to Sunbeams. I’m so excited to join team Rickshaw, I already ride a trike and have recently cycled 5 miles which was my goal! Once, my bike was stolen and the local community pulled together to buy me a new one – the support I receive from my family, Sunbeams and my local community is amazing.”
Matt Baker said: “I can’t wait to join Harrison, Millie, Liv, Rainbow and Thomas for the 11th Rickshaw Challenge and together, raise money for BBC Children in Need. The first-ever Great Rickshaw Relay Challenge special programme will provide a behind the scenes look at how we get the Rickshaw on the road and the trials and tribulations over an incredible week with some inspirational young people. It’s been a big part of my life over the last 10 years and I’m over the moon we’ve managed to find a way of it happening again and show viewers how their donations help change young lives.”
The full Great Rickshaw Relay Challenge tour
November 1 – Somerset, Bristol
November 2 - Media City, Manchester
November 3 – Southport
November 4 – Ulverston, Cumbria
November 5 – Edinburgh, Scotland
The five-chapter relay will take place between November 1-5. Donations can be made here.
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