Vernon Kay Ultramarathon challenge LIVE — Total raised for Children in Need revealed as Radio 2 star left ‘speechless’

'I'm on so manky painkillers'

After reaching his four-day Vernon Kay confessed: “I’m on so many painkillers I’d keel over if I had a pint.”

Around 400 people, including his mum and dad, cheered him into the Bolton Wanderers football stadium in his home town as he completed the feat. But he had to settle for a phone call from wife Tess Daley, who is in Blackpool to host the Strictly Come Dancing show.

Vernon said: “We have raised £1million a day. Never in a million years did I ever expect that. Physically, I am shot. Both big toenails are coming off.

“My right Achilles is swollen and my right knee is wonky. I never want to look at my sports watch again.”

Vernon 'speechless' as latest grand total announced

Alex Scott provided the latest update on how much money his ultramarathon has inspired in donations - £5,067,847.

Kay gasped open-mouthed in shock and struggled to find words when asked how he was feeling about it.

Alex told viewers: "He's speechless, look.

"The challenge may have ended, but the amazing generosity from Radio 2 listeners continues."

Vernon eventually said himself: "I'm speechless, speechless.

"Thank you, everyone that donated - thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you."

Vernon reveals what needs doing after Ultramarathon

Vernon appeared on last night's BBC One Children In Need coverage, just hours after completing his gruelling challenge.

Newly-suited Kay, 49, was asked by Alex whether he needed a chiropodist appointment, a foot massage and any other treatment.

He replied: "I need everything doing - kneecaps, ankles, thighs, quads, the lot.

"It's all gone, it's all disappeared."

‘There is nothing in the tank’

Vernon arrived into the stadium and gave his parents a long awaited hug.

The band played in the background bringing a close to Vernon’s mega challenge.

Speaking to Zoe on BBC Radio 2 he said: “I’m absolutely exhausted…there is nothing in the tank.”

He joked: “Is there anyone here who can replace a knee.”

Holding back the tears Vernon said he has met some amazing people along the journey and kept putting one foot in front of the other to finish it.

Vernon Kay thanks the ‘behind the scenes crew’

Vernon Kay has thanked his team for their continued support through the journey.

He said if it wasn’t for them he would still be in Leicester.

Vernon added: “We had a great team pushing me along, motivating me. Thanks to the gang.”

Is she Pudsey Bear's girlfriend?

In short, no, Blush is not pitched as Pudsey’s girlfriend.

Contrary to assumptions, there's no romance between the two bears — Blush Bear was introduced as a friend for the fundraising drive’s long-standing and beloved mascot, Pudsey Bear.

The charity said it created Blush in hopes of increasing its sales and possibly attracting new corporate partners. 

When was Blush Bear introduced?

In 2009, Children in Need added Blush to their collection.

Although still around today, Blush doesn't yet have quite the character development as the original Pudsey Bear who was first introduced to the public in 1985, by Sir Terry Wogan.

Pudsey originally sported brown fur.

A range of Blush bear-themed children's pyjamas are available this year at George at Asda, although at the time of writing, stocks were low.

The Asda website reads that "A minimum of 20% of the price of this product will benefit BBC Children in Need".

What is the girl Pudsey called? 

The female Children in Need bear is called Blush.

The BBC Children in Need website revealed that Blush has pink cheeks and appears to act coy as she is “quite shy as she’s not used to the attention that Pudsey gets”.

Blush merchandise is available to buy on the BBC Children in Need website, in the form of wearable ears for children.

Highstreet favourite bakery Greggs has also brought out a range of Blush-shaped ginger biscuits for the fundraiser, alongside caramel-flavoured Pudsey Biscuit.

Both bears are also at Greggs available in "novelty bun" form.

Who is Tess Daly?

Tess Daly was born Helen Daly on April 27, 1969, in Stockport, Cheshire, and grew up in Derbyshire.

She lives in Fulmer, Buckinghamshire, with husband Vernon Kay.

Tess has a younger sister called Karen, who Tess was out shopping with when she was spotted by a modelling headhunter, at the age of 18.

Her career as a model saw her live in many countries and she was based in Paris and New York for five years each.

Tess began presenting BBC One’s dance contest Strictly back in 2004, and was joined by co-host Bruce Forsyth for ten years.

Then in 2014 he retired from the programme to be replaced by Claudia Winkleman, who remains as Tess’ partner to this day.

How far was Vernon Kay's ultramarathon challenge?

Vernon kicked off his ultramarathon for the BBC's Children in Need at 9am on November 14, 2023.

The challenge started in Victoria Park in Leicester, and ended today in his hometown of Bolton.

Vernon covered a whopping 115 miles.

It was an emotional time for Vernon, who previously revealed that he was "struggling with pain during his ultramarathon.

How much did Scott Mills raise in the Treadmill Challenge?

In November 2023, Scott Mills raised a whopping £1,000,365 for Children In Need after completing a gruelling treadmill challenge.

The Radio 2 DJ walked, jogged and ran for 24 hours - even recreating his infamous Strictly Come Dancing “crab dance”.

When he found out he'd raised over £1M, he told his listeners: "I'm in shellshock right now.

"I can't get my head around it."

Referring to the cost of living crisis, Scott added: "I didn't expect it to be this much money because of how things are at the moment.

"For that money, I would do it all over again. You are amazing."

One final stop

Vernon completed his epic journey for Children In Need this morning, but before he could rest up, he had one last stop to make.

Arriving at his old secondary school, the BBC star received a huge reception.

He told the BBC: "Once a Joey, always a Joey. It's changed a little bit but not a lot.

"I can see my old French class, Maths class, the gym. Crikey it's bringing back so many good memories. I loved school! Aw, that's the pick me up I needed."

What is Children In Need?

Children In Need is the BBC’s UK charity which aims to support disadvantaged children and young people.

Since it began, the annual televised appeals have raised a whopping £1.5billion.

The mascot is Pudsey the bear who is yellow with a polka-dot bandage covering one eye.

Tess gutted to not be at the finishing line

Vernon's TV presenter wife Tess was unable to be at the finish line as she is preparing for Strictly's Blackpool show.

The pair shared a video call earlier this hour as she praised her hubby for his huge achievement.

She captioned the video: "Absolutely gutted not to be at the finish line not to cheer you on today Vernon Kay (am at Strictly) BUT what a moment, what an achievement, I am SO PROUD of what you’ve done!

"I can see in your body that it’s taken a physical toll but I know that it won’t matter right now, as the total of over 3 MILLION raised for Children In Need BBC is just incredible, and the generosity and support shown by everyone that has so kindly donated and those who have come out to support you along the way has been beyond wonderful and I know it’s kept you going (and me too), love you to bits Vern, you’ve got this."

Vernon left 'drained' after Kinder Scout climb

Speaking yesterday on BBC Radio Vernon said: "I’m done now, I’ve had enough. I’m drained, I’ve got no energy left.

"It’s going to take a lot to rebuild me now and get me on the road to get to the other side of Manchester. That was hard. I know people were saying Kinder’s a brave thing to do on any normal day, but we’ve done that which was nearly 14 miles and now we’ve got another 16 to go....

"The difference is, it seems to be, that everything we’ve done so far – the 60 odd mile we’ve done so far has been all at the back of the legs with the running, and now that was just a big heavy push up and then a stride over the top, the plateau, and then down was just horrific because you’ve got to watch your feet, so everyone’s saying ‘the beautiful views’, I haven’t seen anything, I’m just staring at my feet.

"It’s the worst thing. That’s worse than yesterday’s 40 miles.... That is the worst thing ever."

Vernon Kay thanks the 'behind the scenes crew'

Vernon Kay has thanked his team for their continued support through the journey.

He said if it wasn't for them he would still be in Leicester.

Vernon added: "We had a great team pushing me along, motivating me. Thanks to the gang."

Vernon Kay gets to meet Barbara

The avid listener to Vernon's BBC Radio 2 show wrote him an emotional letter that he will "treasure forever".

Earlier this week Barbara phoned in to give Vernon a message to keep him going.

She said: "Hello, Vernon. It's Barbara.

"Now I just wanted to send you lots and lots of encouragement, on running your ultra ultramarathon.

But I know you can do it.

"Now if it gets tough, just think of all the smiling faces of the children you’re helping.

"I’m so proud of you.

"Now I wish I could be there to cheer you on, but I shall be there in spirit.";

'There is nothing in the tank'

Vernon arrived into the stadium and gave his parents a long awaited hug.

The band played in the background bringing a close to Vernon's mega challenge.

Speaking to Zoe on BBC Radio 2 he said: "I'm absolutely exhausted...there is nothing in the tank."

He joked: "Is there anyone here who can replace a knee."

Holding back the tears Vernon said he has met some amazing people along the journey and kept putting one foot in front of the other to finish it.

What time is Children In Need on tonight?

Children In Need will air tonight on BBC One at 7:00pm for three hours.

Vernon Kay is expected to make an appearance on the show after completing his challenge.

Children In Need is the BBC's UK charity which aims to support disadvantaged children and young people.

What is Vernon Kay's net worth?

Vernon has amassed quite a fortune since his time in the spotlight.

He is believed to have an estimated net worth of £2million.

Vernon lives with his wife Tess Daly and his kids in an impressive home in Buckinghamshire.

Meet tonight's hosts: Jason Manford

It is Jason's second year of presenting the BBC's Children In Need.

Emphasising how generous the public are each year, Jason said: "Every time it always knocks you out, doesn’t it?

"It’s unbelievable the millions that people manage to find and just knowing that it goes to such wonderful causes gets you through."

Meet tonight's hosts: Chris Ramsey

Chris will be bringing a bit of comedy action to Children In Need.

He talked about whether he gets nervous before presenting, he said: "You always get nervous… then you get even more nervous if you aren’t nervous! You start to think “why am I not nervous?! What’s going on!?”

"It’s a huge show at the end of the day. But the team and everyone involved are top class, so you know nothing major is going to go wrong… you just need to remember where to stand and make sure you can read the autocue!"

Meet tonight's hosts: Alex Scott

Football star Alex Scott MBE is using her presenting skills for the show for another year

When saying what she enjoys about hosting Children In Need, Alex said: "I look forward to it every year and having a live audience with us always makes it extra special.

"The whole evening is honestly just magical, and it means so much to me to be presenting again with such an incredible presenting team.

"BBC Children in Need will always hold a special place in my heart, the stories from the incredible children and the generosity of the British public never ceases to amaze me.

"I feel very honoured to be presenting another incredible night of fundraising."