Saints host BBC Radio Merseyside for Children in Need

The BrewDog Stadium welcomed BBC Radio Merseyside for BBC Children In Need’s 1,000 Mile Challenge!

Taking place across the UK, BBC local radio presenters are collectively walking 1,000 miles in just two days, all while tied together three-legged to raise funds and awareness for the BBC’s Children In Need.

BBC Radio Merseyside sports presenter Paul Salt made our home ground his base for the day, and throughout the afternoon he was joined by plenty of Saintly guests to help him on his way.

To kick things off, St.Helens’ General Manager Dave Hutchinson presented Paul with his very own Saints kit, complete with his nickname ‘Salty’ and the number 25 printed on the back. Being quite a new rugby league and Saints fan, Paul was absolutely made up, even though it was a tight ‘players’ fit!

Cheered on by students from De La Salle School, the first few laps around our famous pitch went smoothly, but the challenge soon began to test the legs. Paul battled on gamely, switching between which leg he would have tethered, as his supporting guests rotated in to keep the laps going.

Jay White, of local charity Home-Start and Dad Matters, joined Paul to highlight their important work supporting parents and families in the community.

Later in the afternoon, Saints Chairman Eamonn McManus joined the effort for a chat broadcast live on BBC Radio Merseyside, with Paul and him sharing their experiences of rugby league and what St.Helens means to the people in our community.

Former Saint and BBC pundit Alan Hunte linked up with ‘Salty’ as the challenge was a third of the way towards done. Another club legend, Paul Loughlin, joined in to help with the laps, and talks about his role as an ambassador for the Saints Community Development Foundation (SCDF).

Midway through the afternoon, Paul and the BBC team were treated to lunch thanks to our club sponsor Cottoms, who served their award-winning peppered steak pies. The perfect fuel to power Paul on for the rest of the challenge!

Phoebe Hook and Paul Nash, coaches with the SCDF, also took part and spoke about the Foundation’s work making a positive difference across the town.

After a particularly memorable (albeit slow…) lap alongside our much-loved mascot Boots, Saints Women’s and England captain Jodie Cunningham stepped in to help Paul into the home straight. Jodie also chatted about our Women’s team, who return for pre-season training next week ahead of the 2026 campaign.

As the afternoon drew to a close, Paul had already exceeded his original target for laps and distance. Cheered on by the SCDF Cheer & Dance teams, he completed his final few laps with Saints Women’s star Emily Rudge. The pair finished the final lap of the day with a Cheer & Dance guard of honour to finish a wonderful occasion at The BrewDog Stadium.

‘Salty’ continues his two-day challenge on Wednesday (5th November) at Liverpool FC’s Anfield stadium.

Everyone at St.Helens R.F.C. sends their best wishes to Paul and all of the BBC presenters taking part across the country in the 1,000 Mile Challenge.

If you can, please consider donating in support of BBC Children in Need. You can do so by clicking here to visit the official donation page.

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