Students from the University of Roehampton’s BSc Sports Therapy course will be supporting the Children in Need Thousand Mile Challenge as BBC radio presenters take to the streets in a nationwide charity walk-a-thon.
The challenge will see local radio presenters attempting to walk a total of 1,000 miles while three-legged on 4 and 5 November 2025. Each station will attempt 25 miles over the two days, with two presenters joined at the ankle to other famous faces and individuals who have benefited from BBC Children in Need donations.
Roehampton students will be supporting Xavier Bird and Ross Ryan from BBC Radio London as they take part in the challenge. On Monday 20 October, Xavier and Ross visited the Mary Seacole Health Innovation Centre for an Musculoskeletal (MSK) MOT hosted by BSc Sports Therapy staff and students. The presenters underwent a full consultation, musculoskeletal testing, soft-tissue massage, and received advice and guidance to prepare for the upcoming event.
Leah Penfold, Programme Leader for BSc Sports Therapy, said "It was such a pleasure hosting Ross and Xavier at Roehampton. This is a unique opportunity for our students to be part of, and I’m very excited that they will be contributing to this challenge. I’m also very proud to have watched our students perform in such a professional manner in a unique circumstance, not only carrying out the duties required of a Sports Therapist but doing so in a friendly and hospitable way."
The two-day challenge launches at 6am on Tuesday 4 November, with the teams aiming to complete the challenge by 7pm on Wednesday 5 November. The route will take them past some of the UK’s most well-known landmarks and scenic spots, including locations across the Channel Islands.
During the event, Roehampton students will be on hand to support Xavier and Ross. Two students per day will volunteer for half-day shifts, providing soft-tissue care, taping, general guidance, and motivation, with University staff available to assist with first aid where necessary.
Xavier Bird, Presenter at BBC Radio London, added: "I thoroughly enjoyed my MSK MOT. I got a full overview of my fitness and readiness for the event, as well as the opportunity to meet some of the amazing Roehampton students who will be supporting us on the day. The experience has really energised me, and I want to say a big thank you to the students I was working with. They did an excellent job, and I look forward to seeing them again on the 4th."
Find out more about the Thousand Mile Challenge.
Find out more about our BSc Sports Therapy course.
