The future King praised the Radio 2 presenter

The Prince of Wales has sent a message of support to broadcaster Sara Cox, telling her the nation is “so proud” of her as she embarks on the final stretch of her Great Northern Marathon Challenge for Children in Need.

A special video from William was played out on BBC Radio 2 this morning by presenter Scott Mills.

 

The father-of-three said: “Sarah, massive congratulations for what you’re doing.

“You’re so nearly there, just a little bit further, and I know the people of Pudsey will all come out and welcome you with huge open arms, big hugs, and hopefully, lots of your favourite crumpets.

Prince William, Sara Cox

Prince William told Sara Cox the nation is ‘so proud’ of her | PA / INSTAGRAM / BBC RADIO 2

“Keep going, you’ve done fantastically well, and the nation’s so proud of you.”

William’s message comes as Ms Cox, 50, approaches the final stretch of her challenge, having already covered 100 miles.

Ms Cox became emotional while on air during William’s video, taking deep breaths before saying: “Thanks, William, thank you for that.”

The presenter is set to conclude her 135-mile stretch on foot, having covered four counties: Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.

Sara Cox

Sara Cox became emotional while live on air | PA

Sara Cox

The broadcaster is on the final stretch of her marathon challenge| PA

Ms Cox has jogged and walked the distance as she closes in on covering five marathons in five days.

She started off in Keilder Forest on the Scottish borders and aims to finish in Pudsey in Leeds, while carrying Pudsey the bear.

Ms Cox has already raised over £4million for Children in Need with her challenge.

Speaking as she approached the conclusion of day four, Ms Cox said she was in “so much pain” but noted that “quitting is absolutely not an option”.

Sara Cox

Despite being in ‘so much pain’, Ms Cox said: ‘Quitting is not an option’ | PA

She said: “I don’t even want to think about tomorrow, I just can’t even think about it, babe, I’m in so much pain.

“My legs, my calves are so swollen, the paramedic was taking my pulse at the last stop, a couple of miles away, because I was just running along the street, going, ‘No pain, no pain, no pain’, just trying to do mind over matter.

“They asked me if I wanted to carry on a couple of miles back, and I’m like, ‘Yes! Let’s finish it.’

“It’s all so sore, but that amount is just incredible. Quitting is absolutely not an option.”

Prince WIlliam

Prince William wished Ms Cox a ‘massive congratulations’| PA

Ms Cox concluded day four yesterday in front of hundreds of people as she arrived in the village of Ripley, North Yorkshire.

She raised her arms in the air as she cheered towards supporters.

“I’ve had so many hugs off so many awesome women,” Ms Cox exclaimed.

She continued: “The whole ‘women of a certain age’ thing, we’re not having it. We’re not gals, we’re not women of a certain age. We’re over fifty and we’re having it, aren’t we women?”