Sara Cox has finally done it — the Radio 2 favourite crossed the finish line of the BBC’s longest-ever charity challenge after five brutal days, 135 punishing miles and a wave of nationwide love pushing her forward.

The Radio 2 host ran, jogged and walked through four counties — Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire — and, against all odds, raised an astonishing £6 million for Children in Need. Donations were still pouring in even as she staggered towards the line.

“It’s just the hardest thing I’ve ever done, I’ve never known pain like it,” she told Scott Mills after completing the challenge.

“But then I’ve never had eye contact with so many amazing woman who have just powered me on,” she said.

“On the side of the road, in the driving rain, it was bitterly cold. The truck drivers honking their horns, the farmers stopping work just to come and say hi.”

“Thanks to everybody who let me stop for a wee at their house – it was a few people!” she added.

Sara also thanked Professor Greg White, who has overseen her training: “This is fortieth challenge that he’s dragged someone through and he told me exactly how to train and how to get strong.”

As she approached the final stretch, Sara admitted on-air that she was “in a lot of pain”, explaining that her shins and ankles were “battered and swollen”. But the moment she was told she’d smashed the £6m milestone, she said it “boosted” her back onto the road.

Minutes before finishing, she was reunited with her brother in the rain — he stepped out in front of her and wrapped her in a tight hug. The emotional moment left viewers in bits.

And then, as she finally broke through the finish line, Sara immediately broke down. “That was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” she said through tears, collapsing into the arms of supporters as a mixture of exhaustion, pride and disbelief washed over her.

Stars rallied around her throughout the day. Rod Stewart recorded a message mid-workout, telling her: “Good luck darling, keep going. You’re an absolute hero.” Radio 2 colleagues were equally emotional — Richie Anderson said his “pride is through the roof”, while Gary Davies admitted he “can’t imagine what she’s going through”.

Her dad also surprised her with a message. Teasing her gently, he said: “Here you are, Sara, should be here feeding these animals instead of messing about… I’m kidding. Very proud of you.”

The challenge wasn’t without frightening moments. Sara needed medical attention only two hours into day five, at one point lying back as medics manipulated her swollen legs. Later, she was seen walking backwards while two men supported her — a sign of just how much pain she was in.

But even then, she had a message for her children. “Tell Isaac, Renee and Lola that I’m okay,” she said live on air, knowing they were listening.

As the finish line was erected in Horsforth and crowds gathered, messages poured in online. “Outstanding achievement”, “Unbelievable woman”, and “What a trooper!” were just a few of the fan reactions.

Breaking down as she learned the final total, Sara said: “Six million quid… that’s incredible. Thank you for every penny.”

Tonight, Britain celebrates her. Five marathons. Five days. One extraordinary woman who refused to stop.