Owain Wyn Evans completes Children in Need bike ride in Cardiff

Radio presenter Owain Wyn Evans has completed his challenge of cycling through all four UK nations to raise money for BBC Children in Need.

The Welsh host of BBC Radio 2's Early Breakfast Show rode almost 400 miles, setting off from Glasgow and finishing in Cardiff on Friday.

The challenge started on 9 November in Scotland and over the next five days, Owain rode through Northern Ireland, England and Wales and raised £3,853,530 in the process.

Reflecting on his journey, he said: "This has been the hardest challenge of my life, 100%."

"I can't believe I'm here. It's overwhelming, all the love and passion and commitment people have shown."

The BBC said Owain's challenge would be the "greatest-ever distance" covered in a Radio 2 endeavour for the charity.

He crossed the finish line just after 11:00 GMT, and was greeted by a crowd cheering him on before he was met by his husband, Arran Rees.

Owain, 42, whose bike was named Shania Chain, and decked out in Children in Need colours - Pudsey's favourite yellow with coloured spots - said: "Thank you so much everyone, from me and Shania.

"Honestly, this has felt so far away for such a long time. I can't believe that I'm here with this welcome and the sun's out."

Hollywood actor Luke Evans announced the route to Owain each day on BBC Radio 2.

During the 640km feat, he was also surprised with the premiere of Steps' brand-new version of their debut hit 5, 6, 7, 8, retitled 5, 6, 7, donate, which featured new lyrics and extra vocals.

It was recorded to help boost Owain's spirits on the longest day of his challenge.

When the challenge was announced, Owain, who is originally from Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, said: "I'm ready to give it absolutely everything I've got."

The Radio 2 presenter added that colleagues Sara Cox, Paddy McGuinness and Vernon Kay had previously achieved "extraordinary things" for Children in Need so he ad "a lot to live up to".

Owain was undertaking his second challenge for the BBC charity fundraiser, following his 24-hour drumathon in 2021.

During the ride Owain received a heartwarming message of support from his primary school teacher Cath Adams.

Speaking to his parents on Radio 2, he recalled having a pink Care Bears lunch box while in reception because he loved the programme.

He said some classmates laughed at him and it prompted his "first feeling of shame", so he hid his lunchbox.

He added: "I remember Cath Adams bringing it out and telling the other kids that this is alright.

"And she was probably, probably my first ally. And I never realised at the time but I love you Cath Adams, you're amazing."

Asked how he was feeling, Owain said: "There are so many children who need our help and who will be helped by all the donations."

Speaking to fellow BBC Radio 2 presenter Kay, he spoke about the gruelling nature of the challenge.

"You train so hard, me and Shania Chain going around the streets, but the reality of it, it's so hard.

"It's been amazing every step of the way and that's been super emotional as well."

Owain previously admitted he "never enjoyed exercise at school" because of bullying, ahead of his four nations biking challenge.

The broadcaster also expressed his gratitude for the support of Radio 2 listeners.

His messages of support from public figures included one from the Princess of Wales, who recorded a message for him in Welsh, saying: "Hi Owain, it's Catherine, you're doing so well. Keep going. Wishing you all the very best."

Shania Twain was so impressed that the bike had been named after her that she sent a message of good luck before the challenge.

She said: "Hi Owain, Shania Twain here. You're about to take on an incredible challenge for BBC Children in Need, cycling 400 miles through all four nations.

"As you set off in Glasgow, I just want to say: 'Let's Go, Owain!' We'll be cheering you on all the way. Good luck."

She sent him another message when he finished, saying: "Congratulations on completing your incredible challenge for Children in Need. You're still the one my friend, sending you all my love."

Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said: "Owain truly captured the hearts of the nation this week as he battled through his epic four nations Challenge.

"On behalf of all the Radio 2 listeners as well as the thousands of children and families who will benefit from his Herculean fundraising efforts we simply can't thank him enough. Diolch Owain! "

Evans began his broadcasting career in Welsh-language television when he presented the children's news programme Ffeil.

He later presented the weather on BBC Wales Today and began hosting BBC Radio 2's Early Breakfast Show in 2023.

BBC Children in Need will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 19:00 GMT on Friday

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