Children In Need 2019 rickshaw challenge – route, dates, riders and how you can donate
CHILDREN in Need’s Rickshaw Challenge is back for the ninth year, however, some changes have been made.
A new route has been introduced and the rickshaw has been modified – here is everything you need to know.
What is the Rickshaw Challenge?
The annual Children In Need event sees a team of six young people and The One Show’s Matt Baker take part in an eight-day challenge.
Now in its ninth year, the challenge has been tweaked a little, with changes to the route, a new team and a new custom rickshaw.
A team of engineers at the McLaren Technology Centre have now made the rickshaw accessible to a wider range of rider.
They have created a rickshaw that enables visually impaired and blind riders to participate in the challenge.
A guide-trike, which is attached to the front of the Rickshaw allows steering and braking to be managed by a guide rider whilst a visually impaired rider pedals from the main driving seat of the Rickshaw.
The Rickshaw Challenge began on Friday, November 8, 2019.
Where is the Rickshaw Challenge route?
This year, the team began in Holyhead before travelling across Wales for three and then crossing over into England in Oswestry.
After, they make their way to the finish line at BBC Elstree Studios this Friday November 15, during the BBC Children in Need Appeal Show.
Also, the 400 mile journey sees the team tackle the highest village in the UK – Flash in the Peak District, and the steepest street in the world in Harlech, Wales.
The team’s travels are documented and broadcast on The One Show throughout the week.
Route Summary:
Day 1 (Friday 8th November): Holyhead to Portmeirion
Day 2 (Saturday 9th November): Portmeirion to Machynlleth
Day 3 (Sunday 10th November): Machynlleth to Oswestry
Day 4 (Monday 11th November): Oswestry to Crewe
Day 5 (Tuesday 12th November): Crewe to Matlock Bath
Day 6 (Wednesday 13th November): Matlock Bath to Melton Mowbray
Day 7 (Thursday 14th November): Melton Mowbray to Bedford
Day 8 (Friday 15th November): Bedford to Elstree
Who are the Rickshaw Challenge riders?
Adelle, 17, from Belfast, discovered she had acute myeloid leukaemia seven months after her best friend died from cancer in 2017.
She underwent chemotherapy which was initially successful, however, her health deteriorated and at one point doctors even considered palliative care.
Fortunately, Adelle began to recover and in October 2018 was well enough for a bone marrow stem cell transplant.
During her diagnosis and treatment, Adelle has been supported by Cancer Fund Northern Ireland, a charity which receives funding from BBC Children in Need.
Emma, 18, from Nottingham, underwent two liver transplants shortly after she was born as doctors discovered she had severe liver disease.
Sadly, her first, at the age of nine months was unsuccessful, however, she endured a second transplant aged three and a half.
As she grew up, Emma started swimming and in 2015 represented Team GB at the World Transplant Games, taking home several medals.
Unfortunately, in 2017, Emma had a seizure which left her unable to walk, see properly or concentrate for long periods.
Emma’s sight gradually returned and a year later, following a long process of rehabilitation and physiotherapy, Emma was able to walk again.
Children’s Liver Disease Foundation have provided Emma and her family with guidance and support throughout her life.
The Foundation has received funding from BBC Children in Need since 2011.
Josh, 17, from Carnforth, Lancashire, is a young carer, who helps look after his younger brother Jacob.
Jacob, 15, has a condition called ADNP or Helsmoortel-Van Der Aa Syndrome, a rare condition that means he has severe learning difficulties, global development delay and some physical problems.
Caring for Jacob can be difficult, therefore, Josh finds solace in gardening at Levens Hall Gardens where he has been taken on as an apprentice.
Josh has been supported by Carer Support South Lakes which use a grant from BBC Children in Need to deliver a range of activities to give young carers like Josh, respite from their responsibilities and develop their skills and confidence.
Kelsey, 17, from Watford, is blind and as a baby he was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma in his left eye but unfortunately his eye couldn’t be saved.
At the age of five, Kelsey found out the cancer had returned in his right eye and despite doctors best efforts they were unable to save it, leaving Kelsey blind.
For the last six years he’s been playing goalball, after being inspired by the Paralympic Games in 2012.
Goalball UK is funded by BBC Children in Need to deliver goalball activities and competitive opportunities for blind and partially sighted young people.
Thomas, 17, from Swindon, who has cerebral palsy, autism and ADHD, has been bullied throughout his life.
He was slow to develop as a toddler and over the years has needed operations and regular physio.
Thomas has always been a keen sportsman and playing sport has provided him with an escape from the difficulties in his life.
Thomas has been supported by Cerebral Palsy Sport which receives funding from BBC Children in Need to give young people with cerebral palsy the chance to access training and regular sporting events.
Uche, 20, from London, had his life changed dramatically when he was stabbed attempting to find his stolen bike.
The knife went through his upper arm and an artery and though his condition later improved he struggled to come to terms with what had happened.
During this time Uche started attending XLP, a local youth project that is funded by BBC Children in Need.
Uche was mentored by XLP which has helped him to focus on his future, and with their support he’s secured an apprenticeship in Engineering.
more on Children in Need 2019
How can you donate to The Rickshaw Challenge?
For the first time ever, The Hunter Foundation (THF) has pledged to give 40p for every £1 donated by the general public to the Rickshaw Challenge.
Since 2011, The One Show’s Rickshaw Challenge has raised more than £25million for Children in Need.
If you wish to donate to Children in Need and help disadvantaged children across the UK .
You can donate as little as £1 and payments can be made with a card or via PayPal.