Farmer’s daughter taking part in Children in Need Rickshaw Challenge

Lucy Wox, a farmers’ daughter from Northumberland, will be taking part in the famous Rickshaw Challenge in aid of Children in Need next month.

Sixteen-year-old Lucy, from Morpeth, is one of six riders who will cover a 470-mile journey on the bicycle-like rickshaw from Land’s End in Cornwall to Elstree in Hertfordshire, setting off on 6 November and aiming to cross the finish line on 13 November.

Selected for the challenge following her involvement with Cramlington Voluntary Youth Project (CVYP), an organisation part-funded by BBC Children in Need, Lucy stopped growing while still in the womb and has cerebral palsy, partial deafness and a sight condition that limits her eyes’ range of motion.

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Lucy Wox © BBC

CVYP works with young people with disabilities to ensure they have opportunities to socialise, learn skills that support independent living, volunteer and take part in physical activities to keep healthy.

“I like to challenge myself, and recently completed my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award through the CVYP.

“The Rickshaw Challenge will be my toughest yet, but I’m excited to get under way,” said Lucy, who has been training in the local gym every day.

“Through funding the CVYP, BBC Children in Need is making a big difference to the lives of people like me, and now I’m looking forward to giving something back.”

Lucy’s parents, Geoff and Helen Wox, farm 80 acres of arable land alongside contracting and running a machinery business.

Helen, who will be travelling alongside the team all week to support Lucy, said: “It’s really, really exciting for us and Lucy. It is one of the longest challenges they have done and the first time it has been done in the West Country.”

Lucy with Team Rickshaw © BBC

“It’s a massive challenge for these young people, to support worthy causes. You never know when you might have something to do with the organisations Children in Need supports – they cover everything from disabilities to bereavements.

“We wish all the riders good luck and would ask people to support them if you can”.

To support the challenge, you can donate either £5 or £10 by text. To donate £5 text the word TEAM to 70705 or to donate £10 text GIVE to 70710.

Viewers of The One Show will be able to follow Team Rickshaw’s progress on the show each day from 6-13 November.

The full route – including a real-time update of the rickshaw’s progress – is available online.