Cheddar teenager's relay rickshaw challenge

The Rickshaw Challenge for BBC Children in Need is back this year but back with a difference.

This year to align with keeping everyone COVID safe riders will not come together at the rickshaw, the rickshaw is coming to them. The Great Rickshaw Relay Challenge led by presenter Matt Baker and his team are coming to riders who will each take part in a relay-style ride in five chapters. Each rider will take a leg each, travelling through their hometowns and visiting places that hold a particular significance for them.

The challenge will take place from Monday November 1st – Friday 5th November with a one-off BBC special event is due to be aired on November 10th 7.30pm will not only share stories of the five remarkable riders but will celebrate the history of this much-loved event that has raised £41 million pounds in the last ten years.

Tom Walsh 16 from Cheddar will start the relay on Monday 1st November at 7.30am at the SS Great Britain finishing at 2.15pm at Thatcher's Brewery in Sandford. Tom's parents Ceri and Dad, Rod were involved in a devastating car accident on the M5 in 2018 turning his world upside down when his dad tragically lost his life.

Doreen Smith Operations Director for The Space said: "The Space is delighted that Tom was chosen to take part in the challenge and viewers will see what a truly inspirational young man he is. Tom was supported by our counselling service as part of his journey to recover from a catastrophic event. We will most certainly be there cheering him on."

Thomas said: "School went very easy on me for a long time and that wasn't what I wanted; I didn't want special treatment. I was able to talk to The Space who gave me the support I needed – I can't thank them enough for being there for me at such a hard and devastating time in mine and my family's life. I'm looking forward to channelling my energy into executing The Rickshaw Challenge with Matt and the team."

Viewers will be able to keep up to date with all the latest news around the challenge by tuning into Morning Live on BBC One.