BBC Look North announce new Sofa Challenge for Sport Relief 2020 taking them all over Yorkshire

Amy Garcia and Paul Hudson pull Keeley Donovan on the sofa with Harry Gration at the back. Picture: BBC

Following on from the Big 50 Sofa Challenge of 2018 which raised almost £200,000, Harry Gration, Amy Garcia and Paul Hudson will set off from Scholes in East Leeds on Friday March 6, pulling and pushing their red sofa 100 miles incorporating some of Yorkshire’s biggest climbs.

They will also be meeting people along the route who are involved with Sport Relief projects.

The Big Summit Sofa Challenge will take the team through on and off road climbs in the region, finishing on Sport Relief Day on Friday March 13.

Keeley Donovan, front left and Amy Garcia, front right with Paul Hudson, back left and Harry Gration, back right. Picture: BBC

Keeley Donovan, who is expecting her first baby on June 28 will lead the support team throughout.

The Look North team has undertaken three epic challenges in aid of Sport Relief, raising almost three quarters of a million pounds and watched by crowds of thousands en route.

This year’s challenge takes the team through the Dales - including the challenge of climbing to the top of the highest road in Yorkshire at Fleet Moss.

They'll visit Hawes, Kettlewell and Grassington in North Yorkshire.

They then head into West Yorkshire - visiting Silsden, Keighley, Oxenhope, Sowerby Bridge, Halifax and Meltham before the big climb up to Holme Moss near Holmfirth.

The final two days will see the team travel through South Yorkshire; and they'll get a break from climbing to visit Conisbrough, Mexbrough and Sprotbrough.

The challenge culminates in a 17 mile final day - taking in the highest point in South Yorkshire at High Stones, before finishing in Stocksbridge.

The Big Summit Sofa Challenge takes in some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful areas, but also three of the biggest climbs.

Harry Gration vowed that the 2018 challenge would be his last, but he said: “I know I said I would never do it again, but Paul, Amy and Keeley have talked me into it and I’m excited to be able to take part in something so special for Sport Relief in 2020, just hope I can get up those hills.”

Paul Hudson said: “I’m a little apprehensive because last time was hard and this looks like the toughest yet. I was exhausted last time, but bring it on.”

Amy Garcia said: “I can’t believe we’re doing this again! It really is going to be a Sport Relief challenge and a half, but I know we’ll have the support on route and that really means so much to us all.”

Keeley said: “I’ll be there to keep the team going, give them moral support and make sure Harry drinks enough water! I’m just really pleased that I can be a part of it in 2020.”

Look North Yorkshire’s previous Sport Relief campaigns include the Tandem Tour de Yorkshire in 2014, followed by Harry & Paul’s 3-legged challenge in 2016 and the Big 50 sofa Challenge in 2018.

Full details on the route etc are here www.bbc.co.uk/sofa