Reverend Kate Bottley and Richie Anderson, both alumni of Leeds Trinity, are currently participating in an extreme triathlon challenge with fellow BBC Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley. The trio have swapped the studio for the outdoors as they undertake Dare 2 Tri, a three-day series of triathlons in cities across the UK.

Starting on Wednesday 11 March in Cardiff, the trio are taking on 1km open water swims, followed by 30km cycle routes and finishing with 10km runs in three different UK cities, across three nations, in three days.

They have completed triathlons in Cardiff and Glasgow and will complete their third and final day of the challenge in Manchester crossing the finish line in Media City. The trio have been joined by famous faces for the cycle route in each city, including Welsh actor Michael Sheen and James Johnston from Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro.

Reverend Kate Bottley, who was made Honorary Fellow of Leeds Trinity in 2019, said: “I know it’s going to push us all to our emotional, physical and mental limits; but I know with my team mates to support and encourage me, anything is possible. I can’t wait to get started and raise some vital funds for Sport Relief.”

Richie Anderson, who graduated from Leeds Trinity in 2009 with a degree in Journalism, said: “I’ve taken on some incredible challenges in the past, but this one is definitely going to be the toughest of them all. I won’t lie, it’s a little bit daunting, but having Jo and Kate by my side, and knowing that the money we raise along the way is going to help communities right here in the UK and around the world, is all the inspiration I need.”

The money raised throughout the three-day challenge will go towards Sport Relief’s projects which tackle issues such as homelessness, domestic abuse, mental health stigma and child poverty.

For more information about the challenge, or to donate, visit their Sport Relief fundraising page.