Mollie King’s Pedal Power for Red Nose Day on Radio 1 will see Mollie take to the saddle for five exhausting days as she attempts to cycle from London, the home of Radio 1, to her late father’s hometown of Hull, a place close to Mollie’s heart.
The challenge kicks off on Monday 11 March during the Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Greg James. Mollie will be joined by her co-host Matt Edmondson, friends and family as she departs from central London and begins her mammoth journey north. The week ahead will see Mollie pedal through the streets of Towcester, Burton-upon-Trent, Manchester and Leeds as she battles both physically and mentally to reach the finish line.
For someone who has never ridden a bike on the road, it’s certainly not going to be an easy ride. Mollie’s stamina, spirit and strength will be tested like never before as she tackles the unpredictable great British weather while navigating winding country roads, and busy city centres. On her journey, Mollie will pass through villages, towns and cities where Comic Relief funded projects are providing essential support to people who need it most.
The whole of Radio 1 will be getting behind Mollie throughout the week, offering lots of support and keeping her motivated with messages of encouragement from listeners. Mollie will also be joined along the route by special guests. Radio 1 listeners can also contribute to special surprises to help Mollie keep pushing on when it’s getting tough and raise as much money as possible for Red Nose Day.
Discussing the challenge, Mollie said: “I can’t believe I’m going to be taking on this incredible challenge. The closer the start date gets the more daunting it’s becoming. I’ve been training for the last few weeks on an exercise bike and learning how to cycle on the road too, it’s been an incredibly steep learning curve. I haven’t been able to exercise much since having my daughter, a year ago, so even getting back into the training is pushing me harder than I thought it would!
“I know the wonderful support from our fantastic Radio 1 listeners and my fellow presenters is definitely going to give me a boost when I’m feeling absolutely exhausted. I know they’ll keep me going and I’ll be constantly thinking of the finish line in Hull, which was such an important place to me and my dad. I know that he would be immensely proud that I am doing this for such a great cause. I’m going to give it absolutely everything and do my best for Comic Relief and the brilliant projects they support across the UK and around the world.”
Matt Edmondson, Radio 1 presenter and Mollie’s co-host, said: “Mollie is my best friend in the whole world, and one of the most strong and determined people I’ve ever met. Nevertheless, this challenge would push absolutely anyone beyond breaking point, so I’m in awe of her courage and ridiculously grateful that she’ll have all of the Radio 1 listeners supporting her through the literal highs and lows of this epic challenge. I’ll be there too, reporting back on her progress, cheering her on and making bad jokes to try and distract her from the pain”
Aled Haydn-Jones, Head of BBC Radio 1, said: “We’re so excited to follow Mollie on this challenge! We’re right behind her at Radio 1 and support every pedal of the journey. We know it won’t be easy, but she will smash it as she always does. Good luck Mollie!”
Samir Patel, CEO of Comic Relief, said: “This year’s Radio 1 challenge isn’t going to be an easy ride for Mollie, but when times get tough on the road, we hope she remembers what a huge difference she is making. As millions of people in the UK and around the world are facing impossible decisions just to get by right now – every donation really does count. Our biggest thanks go out to Mollie and the Radio 1 team – we can’t wait to see how Mollie gets on and will be cheering her on from the sidelines!”
Mollie King’s Pedal Power for Red Nose Day on Radio 1 will be broadcast live on Radio 1, BBC Morning Live and BBC Sounds across the week, with video highlights on Radio 1’s social channels.
The money raised for Mollie King’s Pedal Power for Red Nose Day on Radio 1 could help break the cycle of poverty for people in UK and around the world. This includes support for children and young people who are experiencing neglect, abuse, stigma and physical and mental trauma.
To support Mollie and help keep her wheels turning, go to www.comicrelief.com/pedalpower