BBC hosts Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton undertook a taxing 24-hour rollerskating challenge for Comic Relief, showcasing their determination and raising significant funds for charity. The event commenced at 10 AM on March 20, 2025, with the pair eager to engage viewers and secure donations for families and communities in need.
As the challenge unfolded, it attracted celebrity guests, including Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh, who joined Gethin and Helen during the fourth hour, and BBC Breakfast presenter Mike Bushell, who offered his support. Speaking about the event prior to its kick-off, Helen expressed her excitement, stating, "I am really excited to get stuck into our roller-skating challenge. For me, it sums up what Comic Relief is all about; raising money for vital work that helps families and communities all over the UK and the world, whilst hopefully putting a smile on people’s faces."
While the challenge was fueled with enthusiasm, the reality of the ordeal soon set in. Gethin suffered a "massive" fall, raising concerns about his ability to continue skating due to a recurring "bad back," which may have been exacerbated by the incident. Fellow presenter Michelle Ackerley remarked, "It was make or break whether he could actually finish the challenge but he's determined to get to that finish line." As viewers watched the emotional journey, the stakes heightened with each passing hour.
In the early hours of March 21, Dr. Punam Krishnan visited Gethin and Helen, commenting on the physical and emotional toll the challenge had taken. She noted, "They're putting on such brave smiles, but they are broken. I mean, if we just even look at the physical, mental, emotional toll it's taken. Their feet are covered in blisters, the muscles are cramping... they are very emotional. You know, when that sunrise came up, like we all felt it for them. They're going to need a lot of TLC and recovery after this but they're putting their hearts into it."
Reflecting on the pain he experienced, Gethin shared, "That was a tough blow actually, because I've been struggling for a while. I was just trying to get a drink, which I've been doing a few times, but I just caught the side of the wall and I just felt this horrible pain then." He had previously described the ongoing struggle with discomfort during the challenge, when he said, "We thought this would be fun. The pain is horrendous, everything from the hip down is burning. In a time when money is short for so many people, we are already so overwhelmed by the generosity of people. It's a lot of fun but at the same time we are changing lives."
The challenge not only tested their physical limits but also became an emotional journey marked by determination and community spirit. As the final hours approached, Gethin and Helen succeeded in raising a remarkable £385,450 for Comic Relief—an amount that reflects the generosity of their audience and the spirit of the occasion. This achievement underscores the pivotal role of platforms like BBC in facilitating charitable efforts while entertaining the public.
The Wheely Big Challenge concluded with Gethin and Helen recognized not just for the funds raised but for the grit displayed throughout the ordeal. With the event continuing to resonate with audiences, supporters eagerly awaited to see how the duo would recover. Overall, the challenge showcased not only the physical demands of such an endeavor but also the powerful impact of charitable initiatives that bring communities together for a common cause.
