MOLLIE King has swapped her mic for a bike as part of a special challenge for Comic Relief.
The Radio 1 DJ revealed that she was feeling the painful toll after reaching the 200km mark.
What is Mollie King doing for Comic Relief?
As part of the Pedal Power challenge, King is cycling a staggering 500km over five exhausting days.
You can also follow the radio star’s journey on The Sun’s live blog.
The challenge kicked off on Monday, March 11, 2024 during the Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Greg James.
King said she’s been inspired to keep pedalling thanks to her listeners and her late dad Stephen – who passed away in November 2022 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
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Before the challenge began, The Saturdays singer said she didn’t hesitate when asked to do the challenge: “It’s still really hard to talk about – I hate talking about him in the past tense. But when I was asked to do this, I thought I have to do it.
“I want to help people who are struggling, and that is exactly what Comic Relief does. They are amazing. They help people who are homeless, struggling with poverty and struggling with bereavement – amongst so many other things.”
Where is Mollie King cycling for her Pedal Power challenge and where does it finish?
King began her mammoth journey from the home of Radio 1 in London to her late father’s hometown of Hull.
The week has already seen her pedal through the streets of Towcester, Burton-upon-Trent, before she heads to Manchester and Leeds.
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“It’s tough, it’s really tough. I’m drained. I feel like I haven’t had any kind of recovery since getting off the bike.”
Mollie King
She set off from the Northamptonshire town on day two of her charity fundraiser, before cycling another 11 hours.
On day three, she had to make her way up to Manchester, but admitted that she was struggling.
Her five-day challenge is set to finish around Friday, March 15, which is Red Nose Day.
How do I keep track of Mollie King’s cycling route?
King’s fans have been keeping up-to-date with her progress on her tracker.
The challenge is also being covered on the broadcaster’s social channels.
During the challenge, her fellow Radio 1 and Radio 2 presenters have been offering the brave star lots of support on their own shows, and keeping her motivated and spurred on with messages from the listeners.
Pop star Craig David, who also hosts a show on Radio 2, told the songwriter to think of her late dad Stephen, saying: “Be in the moment enough to be conscious and aware of moments, that is Steve saying he is with you on the way.”
How much has Mollie King raised so far?
In an incredible feat, the 36-year-old was told that she has raised over £181,000.
King told host James earlier that she feared she wouldn’t make it.
She said: “It’s tough, it’s really tough. I’m drained. I feel like I haven’t had any kind of recovery since getting off the bike.
“My muscles are just like, ‘oh we’re doing this again?’ It’s pretty brutal. I think at the start there was so much excitement and adrenaline that kept me going and now I’m drained. It feels like every push of that peddle feels like more of a struggle.”
King was heard sobbing into her microphone on the radio and continued: “Salford. The thought of getting there tonight, is that going to happen? It’s just so tiring, it’s so hard.”
James told her: “There are horrible lows in these things, but there will be incredible highs. Think of other things, don’t think of Salford.
“The money raised is extraordinary, this might give you the boost that you need for the next half hour.
“The total so far for Peddle Power for Comic Relief is £181,023.”
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According to Comic Relief, the money raised from Pedal Power “could help break the cycle of poverty for people in UK and around the world”, which includes support for children and young people who are experiencing neglect, abuse, stigma and physical and mental trauma.
To get involved and donate to King’s epic charity challenge, go to comicrelief.com/pedalpower.
