Prince William Sends Surprise Video Message to Radio Host Midway Through Arduous Charity Challenge

Prince William is using a teatime treat to cheer on a BBC radio host as she nears the end of a gruelling charity challenge.

In a specially recorded message released on Friday. Nov. 14, William, 43, told BBC radio host Sara Cox that she’d be able to enjoy a traditional British teatime snack known as “crumpets” as soon as she’d completed the equivalent of five marathons in one week for the BBC’s annual Children in Need fundraiser.

“Sara, massive congratulations for what you are doing,” William said in the video as Cox neared the end of a challenge that has seen her run and walk 135 miles since Monday, Nov. 10.

“You are so nearly there, just a little bit further,” he added, before referring to the fact that Cox’s trek across four counties of northern England is planned to end in Pudsey, a town which bears the same name as the mascot bear for Children in Need.

“I know the people of Pudsey will all come out and welcome you with huge open arms, big hugs…and hopefully, lots of your favorite crumpets.”

He added, “Keep going. You’ve done fantastically well, and the nation is so proud of you.”

Cox said in a message afterwards, “Wow, thanks William, big thank you! Thank you, thanks that’s very nice!”

By 9 a.m. local time on Nov. 14, Cox had raised around $5.3 million for Children in Need, whose telethon is run by the BBC and benefits charities and worthy causes across the U.K.

“Sara has truly captured the nation’s heart — from generous donations to offers of warm hugs, cups of tea, and heartfelt welcomes in every single town and village she’s passed through on her gruelling route,” Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, added in a statement.

“The unwavering support from the Radio 2 listeners has been extraordinary, and we couldn’t be prouder of Sara and everyone who has cheered her on every step of the way. The British public have been utterly amazing – lining the streets as she runs past, with children holding up signs of support and high fiving her all the way. Every act of kindness and every donation has made a real difference.”

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William spent Thursday in Cornwall supporting another good cause — a local soccer team, which had needed a new road.

The prince helped bring together a consortium of builders so that Mousehole Association Football Club (AFC) in Cornwall, southwest England, could get a new access road to their club and playing field, making it more accessible for the players, staff and wider community.

In September, it was revealed that William’s brother Prince Harry’s had donated $1.5 million to Children in Need when he visited Nottingham. The donation went towards supporting organizations for young people across the city.