Chris Kamara to join Wakefield pupils and Jonny Brownlee for Children in Need running challenge
Wakefield’s Chris Kamara will be joining school children in a running challenge for Children in Need after they cheekily brought Olympian Jonny Brownlee out of retirement.
Kammy, 68, will join Brownlee and pupils from Outwood Primary Academy Lofthouse Gate in November as they attempt to run a combined 500 miles in just four hours.
The challenge is part of Run for Pudsey, a fundraising initiative encouraging schools across the UK to take part in physical challenges to raise money for Children in Need.
The event came about after pupils challenged six-time triathlon world champion Brownlee to get involved by sending him a video message.
He agreed – and Kammy was then brought into the challenge.
The football broadcaster and charity campaigner, who has lived in Wakefield for many years, has spoken openly about his own struggles with running since being diagnosed with apraxia, a neurological condition which has affected his speech, balance and movement.
He has had to relearn how to run after his diagnosis but completed the Great North Run in September. He is now hoping to take part in the London Marathon next year.
Speaking about the school challenge, he said encouraging children to be active was increasingly important.
“We don't see loads and loads of kids out playing football these days. We see them on their computers and iPads. Anything that encourages them to get outside and do stuff is so important.”
Kammy admitted running is not easy for him but said he was keen to take part and support Children in Need.
He also said running had helped him become more open about his condition and more willing to speak up when he is struggling or in pain.
“It's the most important thing and that's the first step,” he said. “That's the only way to healing.”
Also taking on a Children in Need challenge for 2026 is Lindsey Burrow and BBC Look North presenter Amy Garcia who are planning a five-day charity challenge, pushing a red sofa out of the Look North studio and attempt to push it 80 miles across Yorkshire using a specially designed trolley, finishing in Wakefield.