They share a studio every week night on Yorkshire’s most watched TV news programme but now Look North legend Harry Gration and weatherman Paul Hudson are literally being tied together.
The two telly favourites are taking on a unique challenge for BBC Sport Relief that will see them strapped to each other while they walk 100 miles around Yorkshire. The three-legged challenge will take them across three of the historic Ridings of Yorkshire – West, North and South.
They’ll take their first steps together in Rotherham on Thursday 10th March and - after nine days walking on three legs – reach the finish line in York on Friday 18th March.
The route will take in key Yorkshire landmarks including the Emley Moor transmitter, Halifax Piece Hall, Saltaire and climbs up Otley Chevin and Castle Hill in Huddersfield.
Yorkshire institution Harry, who is the reigning Royal Television Society’s regional presenter of the year, is no stranger to challenges. Two years ago Harry and his Look North co-presenter Amy Garcia raised almost £140,000 pounds when they completed the two Yorkshire stages of the Tour de France on a tandem for Sport Relief. This year he has ditched the bike and found himself a new partner in crime.
Harry said: “When my editor said ‘we want you to walk 100 miles across Yorkshire for charity’ I jumped at the chance. It was only after I agreed that she mentioned I’d have to be strapped to Hudson the whole time! We’ll be tied together for hours on end – and there’s a few tough climbs as well – I’m not looking forward to getting up Otley Chevin.”
Weatherman Paul said: “The last time I did a three-legged race was 30 years ago at school. I can remember falling over a lot then and just doing a hundred metres was tough! So, I’m not expecting it to be easy – but it’ll be a great chance to visit loads of places and hopefully raise a lot of money for Sport Relief. As for the weather – I’ll only have myself to blame if it rains all week!”
Sport Relief is one of Comic relief’s fundraising initiatives, in association with BBC Sport, which brings together the worlds of sport and entertainment to raise money to help vulnerable people in both the UK and the world's poorest countries. It takes place every two years, and this year runs from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th March 2016.
To sign up to the Sport Relief games go to bbc.co.uk/sportrelief
There will be a chance to donate to the Look North Challenge “Harry & Paul: 3 counties on 3 legs for Sport Relief” - we will keep you posted on how you can get involved.