'Hardest challenge of my life' - Owain Wyn Evans completes Children in Need ride

Radio presenter Owain Wyn Evans has completed his challenge of cycling through all four UK nations to raise money for BBC Children in Need.

The Welsh host of BBC Radio 2's Early Breakfast Show rode almost 400 miles, setting off from Glasgow and finishing in Cardiff on Friday.

The challenge started on 9 November in Scotland and over the next five days, Owain rode through Northern Ireland, England and Wales and raised £3,853,530 in the process.

Reflecting on his journey, he said: "I can't believe I'm here. It's overwhelming, all the love and passion and commitment people have shown."

The BBC said Owain's challenge would be the "greatest-ever distance" covered in a Radio 2 endeavour for the charity.

He crossed the finish line just after 11:00 GMT, and was greeted by a crowd cheering him on before he was met by his husband, Arran Rees.

Owain, 42, whose bike was named Shania Chain, said: "Thank you so much everyone, from me and Shania.

"Honestly, this has felt so far away for such a long time. I can't believe that I'm here with this welcome and the sun's out."

When the challenge was announced, Owain, who is originally from Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, said: "I'm ready to give it absolutely everything I've got."

The Radio 2 presenter added that colleagues Sara Cox, Paddy McGuinness and Vernon Kay had previously achieved "extraordinary things" for Children in Need so he ad "a lot to live up to".

Owain was undertaking his second challenge for the BBC charity fundraiser, following his 24-hour drumathon in 2021, external.

The broadcaster also expressed his gratitude for the support of Radio 2 listeners.

His messages of support from public figures included one from the Princess of Wales, who recorded a message for him in Welsh, saying: "Hi Owain, it's Catherine, you're doing so well. Keep going. Wishing you all the very best."

Shania Twain was so impressed that the bike had been named after her that she sent a message of good luck before the challenge.

She said: "Hi Owain, Shania Twain here. You're about to take on an incredible challenge for BBC Children in Need, cycling 400 miles through all four nations.

"As you set off in Glasgow, I just want to say: 'Let's Go, Owain!' We'll be cheering you on all the way. Good luck."

She sent him another message when he finished, saying: "Congratulations on completing your incredible challenge for Children in Need. You're still the one my friend, sending you all my love."

Evans began his broadcasting career in Welsh-language television when he presented the children's news programme Ffeil.

He later presented the weather on BBC Wales Today and began hosting BBC Radio 2's Early Breakfast Show in 2023.

BBC Children in Need will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 19:00 GMT on Friday