Leeds Beckett academic and students support BBC presenters in Children in Need challenge

The challenge, held on 4 and 5 November, saw the presenters take on a three-legged walk through two Yorkshire cities - with Gayle completing the Leeds route and Colson tackling the Bradford leg. In preparation, Gayle visited Leeds Beckett’s Headingley Campus to train at the Carnegie School of Sport, where she received guidance from Dr Cranswick and hands-on support from students, including sports massage to help her get ready for the event.

The Leeds Beckett team then supported both presenters across the two challenge days, offering expertise in exercise therapy, motivation and injury-prevention strategies.

BBC Radio presenter Gayle Lofthouse said: "It was an absolute joy to work with Ieuan and his students. I'm so grateful for their involvement. Not only did they help with my training program and provide practical support on the days, but they also got enthusiastically immersed in the challenge! They were great to work with, helpful, knowledgeable, fun and there were so many incredible highlights that we simply would not have had without them. They really went above and beyond what anyone would expect."

Sport and Exercise Therapy student Kate Smith described the experience as a highlight of her time at Leeds Beckett: "Getting to be a part of the children in need 3-legged challenge was an incredible experience. The entire day was filled with pure joy and happiness as everyone came together as a team to keep the spirits high. I'm so grateful that the University presented me with the opportunity to be involved in this event for such a lovely cause."

Dr Cranswick said the event was a valuable opportunity for students to apply their learning in a real-world, high-profile setting while contributing to an important charitable cause.

The team's support helped ensure Gayle and Colson completed the demanding two-day challenge safely, all while raising vital funds for BBC Children in Need.