Matt Baker shares his sadness as host’s Children in Need challenge is axed | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV

Matt Baker has spoken of his disappointment after learning he would not be completing his Children in Need Rickshaw Challenge this year for the first time in 13 years.

The Countryfile presenter, 45, looked devastated as he took to Instagram to reveal the sad news to his 334,000 followers.

Pulling a neon yellow rickshaw behind him, he gave “a huge, huge thank you to all those young riders in this saddle”.

He expressed his regret that the experience would not be repeated in 2023 but reminded supporters that they had raised “well over £45 million” thanks to the challenge in the past.

“The rickshaw may not ride again, but there are many ways we can support Children in Need this year, so let’s see what we can all do together to give them the support they need to give to those young people and their families,” Matt. exclaimed in his video.

Meanwhile, over his caption, he detailed the reason his challenge was terminated, explaining: “Program offerings and fundraising initiatives for Children in Need vary from year to year.”

“It’s a huge disappointment not to be out riding on the streets of the UK as the Rickshaw Challenge has been a highlight of Children in Need for me for the past 13 years,” he said.

“I want to thank you supporters for all the lives you’ve helped change with Team Rickshaw and the impact you’ve had on so many young people. You’ve been incredible!”

He concluded: “Get behind this year’s appeal in any way you can – from the Countryfile Ramble to your local fundraiser, as I’ve seen first-hand, it’s amazing what can be achieved out when we’re all stuck together.”

He was overwhelmed by responses from more than 13,000 fans, including his wife Nicola, who declared: “To have raised over £45 million with the Rickshaw and those amazing riders over the years is fantastic. We are all very proud of you xx.”

Meanwhile, his mum Janice and dad Mike chimed in from their own account, @hellofromthehill.

“Congratulations son for all the thousands of miles you have walked over the last ten years with so many wonderful young people, bringing joy and laughter along the way – we are very proud of you. Mum dad x,” they suggested.

One fan, @nobbys31, said: “Very sad to see you out on the Rickshaw. Your commitment to the young people and families Matt was so important. You were always so supportive. D ‘you managed to encourage them and fight through the extreme weather. smile & the difficulties during Covid.”

Meanwhile, Vernon Kay is raising an impressive £5 million during a four-day marathon from Leicester all the way to his home town of Bolton.

The exhausted but determined Radio 2 presenter was overcome with emotion after receiving a supportive phone call from his parents this week – and his wife, Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly, echoed their support.

Tess shared her joy through a series of Instagram posts, explaining this morning: “It would be a shame not to be at the finish line without cheering you on today @vernonkay! (I’m tough) BUT what a moment, an achievement, my SO proud of what you’ve done!

“I can see in your body that it has taken a physical toll but I know it won’t matter right now, as the [amount of money raised] but incredible!”