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Jo vs. Jonas
Jo blown off her feet as gale force winds hit the UK on Day Five of her BT Sport Relief Challenge
Friend Davina McCall joins for moral support
Jo Brand is today facing gale force winds of over 45mph and torrential rain as she battles her way across The Pennines from Langsett to Denton on day five of her BT Sport Relief Challenge. The remnants of Storm Jonas, which brought severe blizzards to the US earlier this week, are causing havoc in the area and have blown Jo off her feet this morning.
The challenge will see the 58-year-old comedian walk 150 miles, east to west right across the width of the country in just seven days, finishing in Liverpool on Thursday. The challenge is sponsored by BT, a long-term supporter of Comic Relief challenges since 2009.
Despite the severe weather conditions, Jo is still determined to keep at it; knowing the public are behind her in full force is really pulling her through. BT are also right behind her, with today (Tuesday 26th January) being Chat for Change day, in support of Sport Relief. Today 1p from every call made from a BT fixed line (including payphones) in the UK, and 25p from every call to BT’s Directory Enquiry Service 118500, will be donated to Sport Relief.*
Davina McCall will also join Jo later this afternoon to help guide her through the severe weather and fatigue. Davina is no stranger to a challenge, having completed her own BT Sport Relief Challenge in 2014, where she ran, swam and cycled over 450 miles from Edinburgh to London in seven days.
Jo said “I’m barely alive and I might very well get blown off The Pennines today. In about an hour I imagine I’ll be wet through, distressed and crying, but you won’t be able to see the tears because there’ll be so much rain on my face. But, it’s BT Chat for Change Day today (Tuesday 26th January) so phone someone and tell them I’m suffering - they’ll be really happy!”
Jo needs the public’s support to keep her going as she is taking one Hell of a Walk. Sponsor Jo at sportrelief.com/sponsorjo
Inspired by Jo’s challenge? Then take on your own challenge by signing up to the Sport Relief Games - go to sportrelief.com to find out how
The BT Sport Relief Challenge: Jo’s Hell of a Walk isn’t the first Sport Relief Challenge BT has sponsored. From John Bishop’s Week of Hell, David Walliams’ epic swims and who could forget Davina McCall’s brave run, cycle and swim across the country, BT has been there all the way.
Between 18th January and 20th March 2016, for every call made from a BT fixed line in the UK to the BT Speaking Clock, BT will donate 10p to Sport Relief.**
Over the course of the ‘BT Sport Relief Challenge: Jo Brand’s Hell of a Walk’ BT has committed to help raise at least £350,000 for Sport Relief.
All the ups and downs of Jo’s challenge will be captured for a BBC documentary, to be broadcast in the run up to Sport Relief Weekend, which is taking place from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th March.
ENDS
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Red Nose Day Media Team:020 7820 2500media@comicrelief.com(opens in new window)Press area07984510473 (out of hours only)
About Comic Relief
Comic Relief is a UK charity which aim to create a just world, free from poverty – where everyone is safe, healthy, educated and empowered. Since 1985, Comic Relief has raised over £1 billion. That money has helped, and is helping, people living incredible tough lives, both here at home in the UK and across the world.
For information about Comic Relief and the work it carries out, please visit comicrelief.com.
Comic Relief, registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland).
For the latest news, statements and exclusive content direct from the Comic Relief Press Office follow @ComicReliefNews(opens in new window).
