Mollie King: BBC Radio 1 host resumes Red Nose Day cycle

BBC Radio 1 presenter Mollie King has started the second day of her cycling challenge for Comic Relief.

The 36-year-old is attempting to cycle 500km (311 miles) from London to Hull via Manchester in five days.

King, formerly part of girl group The Saturdays, completed the first leg of the ride on Monday by arriving in Towcester, Northamptonshire.

As of 12:00 GMT, the 'Pedal Power' challenge had raised £105,973 for the charity, which was founded in 1985.

After leaving Towcester at about 07:45, Tuesday's second leg has already passed through Weedon Bec and Daventry with the aim of reaching Burton upon Trent by the end of the day.

The challenge is due to finish on Friday to coincide with the Red Nose Day appeal.

Ms King previously admitted she had never ridden a bicycle on roads.

However, her Radio 1 co-host Matt Edmondson said she was "absolutely firing" in spite of "absolutely grim" weather conditions.

Speaking to BBC Radio Northampton, he said: "She's up against it, but is looking like an athlete out there."

Mr Edmondson also thanked an estimated 100-150 people who turned up to welcome Ms King on her arrival at Towcester Centre for Leisure on Monday.

Money raised by the challenge will help provide support for children and young people who are experiencing neglect, abuse, stigma and physical and mental trauma.

Speaking before the challenge, Ms King said: "I unexpectedly lost my dad, just over a year ago, he was unexpectedly diagnosed with a brain tumour, and we lost him just three months later.

"So, the reason for me doing this challenge is because I want to support people who are struggling, people who are hurting. Just anything at all, if I can possibly raise money then that is what I am doing this for".

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