BBC Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans was given an emotional welcome by his husband Arran Rees as he crossed the finish line of his gruelling Children in Need cycling challenge…
Owain Wyn Evans was given an emotional welcome by his husband as he crossed the finish line of his gruelling Children in Need cycling challenge after travelling almost 400 miles across the UK.
The BBC Radio 2 presenter completed his five-day mission on Friday, arriving at Cardiff’s Central Square shortly after 11am, where a cheering crowd had gathered to celebrate his achievement.
Looking visibly overwhelmed after the final stretch, Owain, 42, was met by husband Arran Rees, who was there to welcome him home.
The broadcaster had set off from Glasgow on November 9, cycling through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales in a bid to raise money for the BBC charity appeal.
And his efforts have already raised an incredible £3,853,530 for children and families across the UK.
Reflecting on completing the challenge, Owain admitted it had pushed him further than anything he had done before. “This has been the hardest challenge of my life, 100%,” he said.
“I can’t believe I’m here. It’s overwhelming, all the love and passion and commitment people have shown.”
His bike, affectionately named Shania Chain and decorated in bright Children in Need colours, had become a familiar sight throughout the journey.
Speaking to the crowd at the finish line, he said: “Thank you so much everyone, from me and Shania. Honestly, this has felt so far away for such a long time. I can’t believe that I’m here with this welcome and the sun’s out.”
The challenge covered around 640km, with Hollywood actor Luke Evans announcing each day’s route to Owain on Radio 2.
He was also given a special surprise along the way, with Steps recording a new version of their debut hit 5, 6, 7, 8, renamed 5, 6, 7, Donate, featuring updated lyrics to encourage donations. The track was played to lift his spirits during the longest day of the ride.
Owain’s journey also included some particularly emotional moments. During the challenge, he received a message from his former primary school teacher Cath Adams, whom he credited with standing up for him when he was bullied as a child.
Speaking on Radio 2, he recalled taking a pink Care Bears lunchbox to school because he loved the programme, only for some classmates to laugh at him.
He remembered how Cath had stepped in, saying: “I remember Cath Adams bringing it out and telling the other kids that this is alright.
“And she was probably, probably my first ally. And I never realised at the time but I love you Cath Adams, you’re amazing.”
The presenter also received messages of encouragement from several famous faces, including the Princess of Wales, who sent him a supportive message in Welsh.
Shania Twain, who inspired the name of his bike, also sent him good luck wishes before he set off and congratulated him after he completed the challenge.
Owain previously admitted he had not enjoyed exercise at school because of bullying, making the achievement particularly significant.
He said the support from listeners had helped him through the difficult moments, adding: “There are so many children who need our help and who will be helped by all the donations.”
The challenge marked Owain’s second major fundraising effort for Children in Need, following his 24-hour drumathon in 2021.
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