What is the Rickshaw Challenge 2018, what’s the route, who’s taking part in Children in Need and how can I donate?

CHILDREN in Need 2018 is finally here and with it comes the annual Rickshaw Challenge, headed up by a team of teenage cyclists.

Here is everything you need to know about what the challenge is all about…

What is the Rickshaw Challenge?

The One Show’s Rickshaw Challenge has returned for the eighth year and launched on Wednesday, October 10.

A team of six young people, who have been supported by BBC Children in Need-funded projects, will be joined by Matt Baker on the eighth day.

The challenge itself started on Friday, November 9 and came to an end on Friday, November 16.

They will cross the finish line in time for this year’s Children in Need Appeal Show.

What is the route for the 2018 challenge?

The 2018 Rickshaw Challenge began on Friday, November 9 in Calais, France.

They then pedalled 31 miles through the service tunnel of Channel Tunnel, which has only been used by professional cyclists before.

From there, to complete Day One, they headed from Folkestone to Ashton.

Day Two saw the cyclists travel from Ashford to Linfield and then spend Day Three working to get to Hook.

On Day Four, their journey took them to Royal Wootton Bassett.

Then, they cycled to Malvern on Day Five and to Ironbridge on Day Six.

After travelling to Chester on Day Seven, the challenge came to an at Salford Quays on Day Eight where they will be live on The One Show.

Who is taking part in the Rickshaw Challenge this year?

The Rickshaw challenge features a diverse and inspiring group of young people from all different backgrounds.

Abbie, 16, is from London and was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the age of 12. She fought her cancer diagnosis with various treatment methods and finally heard happy news in October 2015. Throughout her journey, she was supported by Teens Unite, which runs motivational workshops for young people following a cancer diagnosis and helped rebuild Abby’s confidence.

Harry, 17, is from Plymouth and was diagnosed with quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy and Worster-Drought Syndrome at the age of one. He’s had multiple surgeries to help him use his legs more easily. Harry also struggles with communication. He’s been supported by Friends and Families of Special Children, which supports disabled children and their families. He is determined to show the world that he can do anything through the Rickshaw Challenge.

Kayla is a 16-year-old from Derry. Kayla’s mother has passed away from an alcohol-related disease following her battle with alcoholism and her father suffers from a rare flesh-eating bug. She cares for his dad and has been supported by Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum which provides a safe space for young people and empowers them.

Kieran, 18, is from South Wales and cared for his mum and younger siblings throughout his youth until he was unable to cope. By 13, Kieran was placed in foster care and started attending The Hwb Torfaen, a project that supports young people to encourage skill development and volunteering.

Maisie, 16 is from Southampton and has achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. She has gone numerous operations to ease her movements and straighten her leg. At the age of 4, Maisie was introduced to Dwarf Sports Association and says it’s had a really positive influence on her life.

Phoebe, 19, is from Leicester and has had a stammer since she was 8. It made her feel isolated and impacted her self-confidence. She was supported by Action for Stammering Children which helped her gain confidence while communicating and provided a support network.

When is Children in Need 2018?

Children In Need is held in November each year.
The Appeal Show 2018 can be watched on Friday, November 16.