Rickshaw Challenge route 2022: map of Children In Need relay event with Matt Baker - where did they visit?

This November sees the return of Children in Need, BBC’s fundraising campaign in aid of disadvantaged children across the UK, and that means that the annual rickshaw relay race also returned.

The bike ride, which has been led by TV presenter Matt Baker for over a decade, sees Baker joined by children and young people who have been supported by the charity ride a rickshaw bike across the country to raise vital funds. This year, it took place in October - and the team’s journey was recorded for a special documetary which is available to watch now.

Over the last four decades, Children In Need has raised over £1 billion for children and young people in the UK. In total, £1,569,978,236 has been raised from 1980 to 2021.

Each and every year, people and famous faces are also encouraged to take part in a variety of challenges to help raise even more money for the campaign, and there’s an annual fundraising telethon too.

So, just what is Children in Need, where did the rickshaw challenge visit, how can you watch the documentary about it. and when is the telethon and how can you watch it?

Here’s what you need to know.

What is Children in Need?

BBC Children in Need is the BBC’s UK charity.  Children in Need (CIN) funds thousands of charities and projects across the UK which all support children and young people to feel and be safer, have improved mental health and wellbeing, form better, more positive relationships and be given more equal opportunities.

Children in Need also funds grassroots organisations and project workers who help to provide the vital positive relationships children need to help them work through the challenges in their lives.

The mascot of Children in Need is Pudsey Bear, a yellow bear who wears a spotty bandana covering one eye. To raise their vital funds, CIN hold what they describe as a “spotacular” appeal every year in November.

People are encouraged to take part in a variety of activities, including cake sales, sponsored walks and cycles and also a rickshaw challenge.

There’s also a telethon every November on BBC One which includes sketches, comedy routines, challenges, music performances, and stories from those who have been supported by the charity. It has been held every year since 1980.

Where did the Children in Need rickshaw challenge visit?

Every year for the past 12 years, TV presenter Matt Baker MBE has taken part in a rickshaw relay race with inspirational young people who have been helped by Children in Need.

This year, the Rickshaw Relay took place between Monday 17 October and Friday 21 October and, in a first for the challenge, BBC Breakfast were live with Matt Baker MBE and the team every morning from 6am so viewers could be a part of the journey.

Baker was joined in the challenge by a team of five inspiring young people, all of whom have been supported by BBC Children in Need funded projects. Each rider took a section of the journey, travelling through their hometowns and visiting places across the UK which hold a particular significance for them along the way.

In a special twist this year, a sixth day of the challenge was also held at Silverstone and members of the public were invited to cycle alongside the rickshaw and clock up as many miles around the world famous racing track as possible to raise money for BBC Children in Need.

The routes start and end points were as follows:

• Day one – Monday 17 October - Sunderland to Durham
• Day two – Tuesday 18 October - Warrington to Wrexham
• Day three – Wednesday 19 October - Aberystwyth
• Day four - Thursday 20 October - Birmingham to Kenilworth
• Day five - Friday 21 October - Wellingborough to Silverstone

How can you watch the documentary about the rickshaw challenge?

For people who couldn’t see the relay challenge in person, the rickshaw team’s journey was recorded for a special one-off documentary which aired on BBC One on Tuesday 15 November. The documentary shared the team’s remarkable stories and also celebrated the history of the challenge. You can watch the documentary, called the Rickshaw Relay Rides Again, on BBC iPlayer now.

For more information about the rickshaw riders please visit the official Children in Need website.

When is the Children in Need 2022 telethon?

This year, the BBC’s Children in Need telethon will take place on Friday 18 November between 7pm and 10pm. It will be hosted by TV presenter and wheelchair basketball player Ade Adepitan MBE, comedian and TV presenter Mel Giedroyc, comedian Chris Ramsey, professional football player and sports pundit Alex Scott and comedian Jason Manford. The telethon will feature a variety of special editions of some of the country’s best loved shows, including The Weakest Link and Blankety Blank.

For more information, check out our guide to the 2022 Children in Need telethon and visit the official Children in Need website.

How can I watch the Children in Need telethon?

The Children in Need telethon is always televised live on BBC One for three hours. This year, it will be broadcast live from Media City UK in Salford, Manchester, between 7pm and 10pm. You’ll be able to watch the show live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It will also be available to watch shortly after broadcast on BBC iPlayer for you to watch at a time to suit you.

How can I donate to Children in Need?

To donate to Children in Need, please visit the official Children in Need website.