Teenager to cycle 50 miles within one day for BBC Children in Need
This year, BBC Children in Need have teamed up with The One Show, Morning Live and BBC Radio 2 to launch something extra special – The Challenge Squad.
Championed by Jermaine Jenas, Alex Jones, Roman Kemp and Vernon Kay, the epic Challenge Squad is made up of four inspirational young people who have benefitted from BBC Children in Need funding and will be undertaking incredible personal challenges to help make a difference to young lives.
One of those young people is Angelos, from London.
As announced on The One Show this evening, Angelos will be will be embarking on an ambitious cycle ride from Oxfordshire, all the way to the centre of London in just one day – a ride of almost 50 miles. Jermaine Jenas will be mentoring Angelos ahead of his challenge, and was the one to deliver the exciting news of the epic challenge he has been set.
Nineteen year old Angelos was diagnosed with sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma – a rare form of cancer – back in 2021. As all of this was taking place during the pandemic, it was a devastating time for both Angelos and his family as hospital visits were greatly restricted. Against all odds, the treatments worked, and in 2022, scans showed he was clear of cancer. However, returning to everyday life after such a traumatic experience was a struggle.
Through a recommendation, Angelos was introduced to Teens Unite Fighting Cancer, a charity supported by BBC Children in Need, who have helped Angelos to adapt to life following his diagnosis, and overcome the lasting impact of cancer. By attending the charity’s activities and residential stays, Angelos has bonded with other young people affected by cancer, learnt new skills and enjoyed new opportunities, without cancer holding him back. Hearing other young people discuss their own cancer journeys allowed Angelos to rebuild his confidence and enjoy new experiences.
After only learning the basics of riding a bike following his Cancer treatment and being on a bike no more than four times, this journey is certainly no easy feat. Angelos will be devoting the next few weeks to intensive training ahead of his challenge. The One Show viewers will be able to tune in to join Angelos on his journey as he gears up to begin his epic tour.
On being a part of the Challenge Squad Angelos said: “BBC Children in Need funding made a huge difference to me during one of the toughest times of my life. The support of the charity and the network that came with it allowed me to push through the intense isolation I experienced during treatment to find my voice again. Now, I welcome this opportunity to give back and raise awareness for all who find themselves on a similar journey.”
The One Show’s Jermaine Jenas who will be mentoring Angelos ahead of his challenge, said: “It is no secret that the last few years have been extremely difficult for so many children and young people around the UK. It warms our heart to be able to draw attention to the essential work of some of the incredible projects that BBC Children in Need fund and to share the difference these projects make to so many on a personal level.”
To donate please visit www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey
