BBC Breakfast's Dan Walker 'in unbelievable pain' after completing 200-mile charity challenge

Dan Walker was left unconscious for 25 minutes after being knocked off his bike in Sheffield last February, but has now cycled the width of the north of England for 48 hours

TV star Dan Walker has successfully completed a gruelling 200-mile charity cycle, despite experiencing "unbelievable pain" from the endeavour. The 47 year old Classic FM DJ undertook a mammoth ride from Withernsea in Yorkshire to Liverpool over 48 hours, aiming to raise funds for Global's Make Some Noise charity.

In Sheffield last February, Walker suffered a serious collision with a car while cycling, leaving him unconscious for 25 minutes and with scant recollection of the incident. Now, he's achieved the longest bike ride of his career and managed to maintain his role on Classic FM's Breakfast show between 6.30am to 10am during the journey.

Reflecting on this incredible feat, Walker expressed both a sense of exhilaration and the physical toll the challenge took on him: "It feels painful but also exhilarating to have done it."

He shared how this beat his previous record on a bike, stating, "The longest I’ve ever been on a bike in my life is an hour. I committed to doing it."

Walker also highlighted his motivation throughout the challenging endurance venture: "I knew it was going to be difficult, and the whole time, I just had in my mind the people that we are raising money for."

Despite the agony, he found the experience rewarding: "I’m in unbelievable pain at the minute, but I’ve enjoyed doing it. I could lie down on the floor and just fall asleep."

Kicking off on Thursday October 3, Walker's journey began in Withernsea and ended for the day in his hometown of Sheffield, where he was greeted by the sounds of the Steel City Choristers. On Friday October 4, he pushed on to Manchester to visit some of the charities benefiting from his fundraising efforts and completed the ride in Liverpool, reaching the M&S Bank Arena at 6.30pm.

Former BBC Football Focus host Dan Walker was met in Liverpool by a heartwarming welcome party including the Choir With No Name, supporting the homeless and marginalised. Reflecting on his arduous journey, Walker shared: "The toughest moment was some of the climbs out of Sheffield.

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"That was really difficult. I’ve never cycled 100 miles before in my life, and I did that the day before. I felt my body was shutting down a bit, and was screaming at me, ‘what are you doing? You should be in bed’.

"But you’ve just got to keep going, haven’t you? And hearing the donations coming into Classic FM made a big difference, and a little nine-year-old called Scarlet in Sheffield gave me this bracelet that says ‘you’ve got this’. Those things make a difference and keep you going."

He is raising funds for small charities and grassroots initiatives across the UK working on mental health, poverty and homelessness issues.

Supporters can contribute to Walker's noble cause by visiting the Global’s Make Some Noise website or texting DAN40, DAN30, DAN20 or DAN10 to 70766 to donate £40, £30, £20 or £10 respectively.

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