BBC NI presenters in three-legged challenge

The finishing line is in sight for BBC Radio Ulster presenters in their three-legged challenge in aid of Children In Need.

Connor Phillips and Cate Conway are leading a 25 mile walk from Portadown to Newry, which began on Tuesday.

The radio presenters were part of a 1,000 mile swimming challenge last year but are hoping to stay dry on their latest adventure.

The challenge began before sunrise on Tuesday in Portadown with the help of the Armagh Ramblers who came to support the walk.

The ultimate destination is Newry by mid-afternoon on Wednesday.

Phillips and Conway are still presenting their daily radio programmes while on their travels.

They are walking three-legged with a variety of different people during the two-day challenge.

Conway, who presents the mid-morning slot on Radio Ulster with Vinny Hurrell, had been worried about cold weather but has enjoyed the challenge.

She said: “It’s unbelievable. I’ve loved every second of it.”

There was a rapturous reception from local people in Poyntzpass, County Armagh, with primary school children and sports clubs offering plenty of support.

This year’s BBC Children in Need show is live on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer from 19:00 GMT on Friday 14 November.

Connor Phillips and Holly Hamilton will bring an update from Northern Ireland on the night, in a programme that airs at 22:40 on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer.

Last year’s national ‘on the night’ total was £39.2 million and the overall fundraising total for the 2024 appeal was £52 million.

In Northern Ireland, BBC Children in Need currently gives 141 grants to local projects to the value of £5.5m.

In the last year, it supported 21,000 children and young people.