Share with:
BBC Radio 1 DJ and presenter Greg James will today attempt to complete his final triathlon of the week, on Day Five of BBC Radio 1’s Gregathlon for Sport Relief, a mammoth challenge which sees him attempt to run, swim and cycle a triathlon a day for five consecutive days, across five UK cities.
With frost outside and ice on the ground, Greg started off his final day with an open water swim in 4.5 degree waters. Despite the trauma of his last open water swim in Glasgow on Wednesday, which left him struggling to move, Greg valiantly completed his 600m swim this morning. He has now battled through four triathlons in as many days; he has criss-crossed the nation, suffered from extensive muscle damage and achy joints, braved freezing temperatures and covered over 180 miles, all with very little sleep. He is really feeling the effects of what he has put his battered body through over the past few days.
Following his swim this morning, Greg began his cycle around his old university home-town Norwich and will finish later this afternoon with a victory run through the city centre to the studio. He will be joined by cricketer Jimmy Anderson and vlogger Jim Chapman on his run today. Friends and family will also be at the finish line to cheer him on as he makes his emotional crossing.
As he set of this morning Greg said “I’m looking out over the beautiful waters of Norwich this morning and it really is bittersweet - in the words of Ricky Martin 'it looks like a flower but it stings like a bee'. I have really mixed feelings about today. The body is gone, it's empty and being held together by tape. I just know that the final open water swim today is going to be tough - the swim in Glasgow was a bit scary. I know I’ll be fine and I know it's going to be a big old celebration today. I want to make it a fun show tonight as the listeners have come on this journey with me. People have found out more about Sport Relief and the incredible causes that the money goes to. If it takes getting into the cold water and putting myself into a bit of a touch-and-go situation to raise awareness, then it's all been totally worth it".
As of 09:50am this morning, BBC Radio 1’s Gregathlon for Sport Relief had raised an incredible £513,308.
Yesterday, after recovering from an earlier tumble while on his 28 mile cycle ride across the steep peaks of Sheffield, Greg stripped down to his swimwear with friend and singer Example, who joined him for a 1,500m swim. The pair were later joined by fellow Radio 1 DJ and Presenter Nick Grimshaw for the run into the studio.
Nick Grimshaw said “The run was brilliant. He was insanely positive because everyone is being so supportive – people come and cheer him on in the streets, beep from their cars, send messages - knowing that everyone is behind him really spurs him on. When he stops, the pain he’s going through really shows and we have all been worried about him. I feel proud that I know him”.
Keeping the momentum going each day has undoubtedly taken its toll but, having seen first-hand how the money is used to make a difference, Greg is determined to raise as much cash as possible for Sport Relief and to inspire the nation to do their bit and get involved. In January Greg travelled to Jordan to meet displaced families living in desperate conditions. He visited a nursery within the Azraq refugee camp and saw how Comic Relief funding is helping to give young children back their childhoods. The money raised through Sport Relief could help more children like these get a vital education, and support their families to maintain a crucial sense of community.
The incredible feat kicked off in Belfast on Monday 8th February, and Radio 1 listeners have tracked Greg all week as he broadcast his Radio 1 show (from 4pm) from a new Sport Relief Flagship Games City every day.
Greg needs the public’s support to keep him going as he takes on his Gregathlon. Donate £3 by texting GREG to 70703* or sponsor him at sportrelief.com/SponsorGreg
Get going like Greg! Walk, run, swim or cycle yourself proud at the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th March. There are thousands of events across the UK with flagship Games in Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow, Sheffield, Norwich and London. Find your nearest event at sportrelief.com and sign up now!
Money raised from The Gregathlon will be spent helping people living unimaginably tough lives, with half of the money raised used to make a difference right here in the UK. The other half is used to transform lives across the world’s poorest communities.
ENDS
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Red Nose Day Media Team:020 7820 2500media@comicrelief.com(opens in new window)Press area07984510473 (out of hours only)
About Comic Relief
Comic Relief is a UK charity which aim to create a just world, free from poverty – where everyone is safe, healthy, educated and empowered. Since 1985, Comic Relief has raised over £1 billion. That money has helped, and is helping, people living incredible tough lives, both here at home in the UK and across the world.
For information about Comic Relief and the work it carries out, please visit comicrelief.com.
Comic Relief, registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland).
For the latest news, statements and exclusive content direct from the Comic Relief Press Office follow @ComicReliefNews(opens in new window).
