Students and staff provide sports therapy and fitness support for BBC presenters’ Children in Need challenge

Sports and Exercise Therapy students at York St John University say it’s been an ‘unforgettable learning experience’ to support BBC presenters through their Children in Need three-legged challenges.  

This November, BBC radio stations across the country have been walking a total of one thousand miles via a series of three-legged events. Each of the radio stations clocked up 25 miles over 4 and 5 November with 2 presenters joined at the ankle to other famous faces, and people who’ve been supported by Children in Need donations. 

Students and staff from York St John played a pivotal role in the regional BBC challenges by providing sports therapy, fitness support and advice on preparation and recovery for presenters from BBC Radio York and BBC Radio Humberside.  

Support teams of students were out at the Designer Outlet in York and across different locations around Hull and East Yorkshire. The teams were led by academic staff and accredited Sports Therapists Zoe Dawson and Dr Dale Forsdyke respectively.  

As well as walking with the presenters, the students were called on to provide treatments under supervision including sports massage, sports first aid and soft tissue treatments. 

Hannah, Joe and Lauren are all third year Sports and Exercise Therapy students. They shared their thoughts on being part of such high-profile events. 

“We are really excited as student Sports Therapists studying at YSJ to support BBC Radio Humberside in their Children in Need challenge. It’s fantastic to get to practise our skills and support each presenter. We know Children in Need is a huge event and this is an unforgettable learning experience.” (Hannah) 

“It’s vital to get a variety of different work experiences outside the university campus to open all the doors possible for your future career. Supporting Children in Need as a Sports Therapist is a unique opportunity allowing us to gain insight into what it’s like to support large scale and high-profile events. (Lauren) 

“Work related learning is essential as it allows me to apply theoretical knowledge from lectures in practical situations. Experiences such as assisting BBC Radio Humberside with Children in Need not only prepare me for future employment but develop my understanding of evidence-based care as a Sports Therapist.” (Joe) 

Dr Dale Forsdyke, BSc Sport and Exercise Therapy Programme Lead said:

“It’s important that Sports Therapists get the recognition their skill set deserves so we are proud as a profession and accredited programme to have supported BBC Local Radio’s Children in Need challenge. As expected, our students were excellent throughout the 2 days and when sharing their knowledge and understanding on the radio.” 

Zoe Dawson, Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Therapy said:

“It’s been an amazing few days. All the staff at BBC Radio York and the management team at the outlet made us feel so welcome. We cannot thank them enough for their hospitality. The students were amazing and a credit to the University. They worked hard and I could not be more proud.”   

The Radio York presenters also had the benefit of several weeks of personal training from Martin Bond, YSJActive Development Officer, who was tasked with getting Georgey Spanswick and Joanita Musisi ‘race-fit’ for the challenges.  

Martin said:  

“I had the pleasure of training both Georgey and Joanita from BBC Radio York in preparation for their three-legged challenge.  The aim of the training was to build up their core strength and balance, to simulate an uneven load like the three-legged challenge.  helping them adapt to the unique demands of moving as a team on three legs.  

“Both the presenters really embraced the training, working hard and we had a good laugh along the way too! I also had the honour and privilege of joining Georgey for one of her three-legged laps around the Designer Outlet.  The event was a great success, raising vital funds and awareness for a worthy cause.”   

This year's Children in Need appeal show will hit BBC One on the evening of Friday 14 November. 

Image l-r Ashleigh Bowling, Lydia Bentley, Georgey Spanswick, Pudsey Bear, Harley Speight, Joanita Musisi, Ella Thomson, Liv Raffle