Vernon Kay shares "unbelievable" update after Children in Need Ultramarathon heroics
20.11.2023 - 14:45
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
National hero Vernon Kay says it's "unbelievable" after sharing an update on his fundraising total following his epic 115-mile ultramarathon success across the UK last week. Vernon had fans, friends and supporters in tears as he crossed the line in his hometown of Bolton on Friday after the gruelling challenge.
On Monday, the Boltonian star received an update on exactly how much money the challenge has now raised for BBC Children in Need. Donations have continued to flood in over the weekend.
On Friday night the total had hit £5million. But today Vernon has been told that has gone up to a staggering £5.84million.
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Vernon said: "It's just unbelievable. Who would have thought when we started, we'd have ended with £5.8m," after being told the news live on BBC Radio 2 from presenter Gary Davies.
Vernon started his 115-mile trek from Victoria Park in Leicester to the finish line at Bolton Wanderers' stadium over four days. Radio 2 listeners were given regular updates as his emotional Ultra ultramarathon challenge unfolded.
And on Monday, Vernon was able to update Radio 2 listeners on how he's feeling now after the "physically and mentally draining" challenge.
He said: "I'm exhausted, I'm shattered, I'm full of a cold, I've got a real chesty cough I think it's cos we were running constantly and I was changing my clothes every seven or eight miles. But now I'm taking lots of vitamins and ginger."
DJ Gary Davies is covering for Vernon on his mid-morning show this week on Radio 2, and joked that maybe all the hugs from supporters were behind the