BBC presenters start three-legged challenge

Ed James started the challenge tethered to television presenter Suzi Perry

BBC radio presenters have embarked on a three-legged journey as part of The Thousand Mile Challenge for Children in Need.

Presenters across the country are hoping to do an accumulated 1000 miles, with Ed James and PJ Ellis, from BBC Radio WM, attempting 25 miles over two days, partnered with a different people for each of the miles.

The pair set out from Molineux Stadium, home of Wolverhampton Wanderers, earlier and will be calling at four local football stadiums by the end of Wednesday.

Ed James started the challenge tethered to television presenter Suzi Perry, while PJ Ellis was tied to fellow Radio WM presenter, Mark Rhodes.

Speaking on BBC Radio WM before the challenge began, Ed James said: "I think I've completely underestimated this whole thing because I haven't done any training at all.

"We both thought we did this at school when we were kids, it was fun and easy, but we were little and flexible and fit and had lots of energy - you fast forward 40 years and it's a different thing entirely.

"Every single mile will be hard. It's going to be wet and I think that's going to be our biggest issue.

"I think this whole challenge is gonna be more complicated and way harder than either of us thought - but we're up for it!"

Mark Rhodes and PJ Ellis with Pudsey and Fraser, who kicked off the challenge by blowing a horn

After a few miles, Mr James said the start had been exciting and exuberant, but the enormity of the challenge was beginning to sink in.

WM played the duo a compilation of recorded messages from the presenters' family and friends to get them under way.

"It's been emotional for me. It got me in the feels," PJ Ellis said.

After starting at Molineux, the pair have headed through Moseley and Willenhall, finishing at Bescot Stadium in Walsall by the end of day one.

On Wednesday, they will walk from The Hawthorns, West Bromwich Albion's ground to St Andrew's, the home of Birmingham City.

PJ Ellis and Ed James were tethered to Stephanie Boswell and Laura Rogers from The Haven for one of the miles on the challenge

For one of the miles of the challenge, the pair were tethered to Stephanie Boswell and Laura Rogers, from The Haven in Wolverhampton, an organisation that supports women and children affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

The Haven benefits from Children in Need funding and has five refuges across the city.

Ms Rogers said: "I went through domestic abuse, it was 13-15 years ago, when my son was a baby, and that's what inspired me to work in the sector.

"I'm very proud to be able to champion the voices of women and children and really know what they've been through, because I've been there with my child."

Another of the local charities to benefit from the Children in Need funding is All Stars Youth Club in Gornal, Dudley, which hosts a weekly session for 11-19 year olds with additional needs.

Vice chair of the club, Hayley Turner, said."All the people who attend have additional needs or learning disabilities so it's a safe place for people to come and express themselves."

Her own daughter, Keeley, has Down's Syndrome and attends the club's meetings.

"It just gives Keeley and so many other members a lot of confidence. You see the great friendships and bonds and trust," she said.