By Katie Haseldine
LOCAL television favourites Harry Gration and Paul ‘the weatherman’ Hudson completed their 15-mile three-legged walk challenge on Friday to raise money for Children in Need.
The walk began at Huddersfield’s St George’s Square at 8am, and the presenters of the BBC’s regional news programme Look North arrived at Halifax’s newly refurbished Piece Hall just before 6pm.
Over 100 fans and supporters travelled to Halifax, to cheer on the charitable duo as they crossed the finish line.
Dorothy Taylor, from Sowerby Bridge, visited the Piece Hall especially to see Harry and Paul.
She said: “I’m most looking forward to just seeing Harry, and seeing what state he is in. I hope he is okay.
“I think he is absolutely marvellous. It’s amazing what he does for charity, I hope this raises loads of money.”
Eileen Yeomans went to Halifax to do some shopping, when she heard about the event and stopped by.
She said: “I’ve been waiting a while now, but it’s worth it to come and see them and support them.”
Whilst supporters waited for Harry and Paul’s arrival, the crowd was entertained by a choir of primary school children who were singing to raise money for the annual charity event.
Eileen added: “The school children have been singing all afternoon – bless them. They did a lovely rendition of Somewhere over the rainbow.”
When Harry and Paul finished their challenge, they were greeted by the fans who cheered them on and a life-size high-fiving Pudsey Bear.
Children were excited to wave on camera to BBC viewers as the crew went live, and the broadcasting stars were more than happy to take selfies and speak to them.
Paul Hudson spoke to Yorkshire Voice about his 15-mile ordeal. He said: “The most challenging part was definitely the Shibden wall, it was an absolute killer.
“It was tougher than any of the challenges we’ve done in the last 18 months.
“The most rewarding part of the day was just meeting the viewers and listeners who have all been massively generous – we’ve raised thousands, and that’s what it’s all about.”
The total amount of money raised for a variety of children’s charities this year was £50,168,562. Altogether Children in Need has raised over £600 million for disadvantaged children since the event began in 1980.