Mollie King was supported by her fiance Stuart Broad and their daughter Annabella as she started her 500km solo cycling challenge for Red Nose Day on Monday.
The 36-year-old BBC Radio 1 presenter saddles up for five grueling days as she cycles from London to her late father’s hometown of Hull, a place close to her heart.
Mollie lost her dad, beloved dad Stephen, to a brain tumor in November 2022 – just days after welcoming her baby daughter Annabella with Stuart, 37.
As she began her challenge at London’s Television Centre, the singer hugged her family before setting off on her journey.
Former England cricketer Stuart and Annabella were seen clinging to a sign which read ‘Go Mummy’.
Mollie King, 36, was supported by her fiance Stuart Broad, 37, and their daughter Annabella, 16 months, as she started her 500km solo cycling challenge for Red Nose Day on Monday.
Former England cricketer Stuart and Annabella were seen holding onto a sign that read ‘Go Mummy’
The challenge started during the Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Greg James.
Mollie is joined by her co-host Matt Edmondson, friends and family as she departs from central London and begins her huge journey north.
The coming week will see Mollie pedaling through the streets of Towcester, Burton-upon-Trent, Manchester and Leeds as she battles both physically and mentally to reach the finish line.
For someone who has never ridden a bike on the road, it certainly won’t be an easy ride.
Mollie’s endurance, spirit and strength will be tested like never before as she tackles the unpredictable Great British weather while navigating winding country roads, Peak District twists and turns and busy city centres.
On her journey, Mollie will pass through villages, towns and cities where Comic Relief-funded projects are providing vital support to people who need it most.
Radio 1 will be behind Mollie all week, offering lots of support and keeping her motivated with encouraging messages from listeners.
She will also be joined by special guests along the route. Radio 1 listeners can also contribute special surprises to help Mollie keep pushing when the going gets tough and raise as much money as possible for Red Nose Day.
Discussing the challenge, Mollie said: ‘I can’t believe I’m taking on this incredible challenge. The closer the start date gets, the scarier it gets.
The former Saturdays singer lost her father, beloved dad Stephen – just days after welcoming daughter Annabella with partner Stuart
The BBC Radio 1 presenter takes to the saddle for five grueling days as she cycles from London to her late father’s hometown of Hull, a place close to her heart
As she began her challenge at London’s Television Centre, the singer hugged her family before setting off on her journey
The challenge started during the Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Greg James
She was also joined by Melvin O’Doom
The coming week will see Mollie tramping through the streets of Towcester, Burton-upon-Trent, Manchester and Leeds as she battles both physically and mentally to reach the finish line
In August 2022, Stephen was diagnosed with a brain tumor and sadly died just three months later
For someone who has never ridden a bike on the road, it certainly won’t be an easy ride
Mollie’s endurance, spirit and strength will be tested like never before as she tackles the unpredictable Great British weather while navigating winding country roads and city centers
‘I’ve been training for the last few weeks on an exercise bike and also learning to ride a road bike, it’s been an incredibly steep learning curve.
‘I haven’t been able to exercise much since I had my daughter a year ago, so even getting back into exercise is pushing me harder than I thought!’
She added: ‘I know the wonderful support from our amazing Radio 1 listeners and my fellow co-hosts will definitely give me a boost when I’m feeling absolutely exhausted.
‘I know they will keep me going and I will constantly think about the finish line in Hull which was such an important place for me and my dad.
‘I know he would be immensely proud that I am doing this for such a great cause. I will give it my absolute all and do my best for Comic Relief and the brilliant projects they support across the UK and around the world.’
Matt Edmondson, Radio 1 presenter and Mollie’s co-host said: ‘Mollie is my best friend in the whole world and one of the most strong and determined people I have ever met.
Nevertheless, this challenge would push absolutely anyone beyond their breaking point, so I’m in awe of her courage and ridiculously grateful that she wants all Radio 1 listeners to support her through the literal ups and downs of this epic challenge .
“I’ll be there too, reporting back on her progress, cheering her on and making bad jokes to try and distract her from the pain.”
Aled Haydn-Jones, Head of BBC Radio 1 added: ‘We are so excited to be following Mollie in this challenge! We are right behind her on Radio 1 and support every pedal on the journey.
‘We know it won’t be easy, but she’s going to smash it like she always does. Good luck Mollie!’
Mollie King’s Pedal Power for Red Nose Day on Radio 1 will be broadcast live on Radio 1, BBC Morning Live and BBC Sounds throughout the week, with video highlights on Radio 1’s social channels.
The money raised for Mollie King’s Pedal Power for Red Nose Day on Radio 1 can help break the cycle of poverty for people in the UK and around the world.
This includes support for children and young people experiencing neglect, abuse, stigmatization and physical and psychological trauma.
After her father’s death, Mollie revealed he had stayed on for ‘an extra few days’ so he could meet his new grandson.
On her journey, Mollie will pass through villages, towns and cities where Comic Relief funded projects provide vital support to people who need it most
Radio 1 will be behind Mollie all week, offering lots of support and keeping her motivated with encouraging messages from listeners
Discussing the challenge, Mollie said: ‘I can’t believe I’m taking on this incredible challenge. The closer the start date gets, the scarier it gets’
The money raised for Mollie King’s Pedal Power for Red Nose Day on Radio 1 can help break the cycle of poverty for people in the UK and around the world
She confirmed his passing in November 2022, writing: ‘Heartbroken beyond words. In August, my family’s world was shattered when my father was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Last week we had to face the day we hoped would never come and say goodbye.
‘Dad, we love you with all our hearts and we will miss you every single day. You have been our hero and it is impossible to think about our life without you.
‘You have always been there for us with every step we have taken and you even stayed a few extra days to meet baby Annabella.
‘You gave us your all. You will be in our hearts and our memories every single day.’