Keith Waldon

Vice Chair

“I had the absolute pleasure of visiting BBC Radio Jersey as the Sports Therapist covering their “Three-Legged Walk” challenge to raise money for the Charity “Children in Need” Appeal.

The Island itself is quaint, with calming countryside views, historic buildings, and glorious beaches.

My task was to look after those doing the Three-legged walk in case of injury. The walkers were two of the presenters Alison Moss and Jennie Mullin, supported by several members of the BBC Jersey Team.

The Task for all 40 Local Radio Stations was for their staff to “Three-legged Walk” 25 miles. The Maths result in 1,000 miles of Three-legged Walking across all forty BBC local radio stations.

The team behind the two walkers included the calm Caitlin Klein, the irrepressible Frankie Golding, the ever-smiling Eadie Roberts, the energetic Tyler Rive and the quiet Emily who, like me, became the finishing flag-holder.

I would like to express my gratitude to them all for involving me in everything and making my time in Jersey so warm and wonderful.”

Kate Williams

Head of Education

“Reflection on Volunteering: Giving and Gaining

Volunteering is often seen as a selfless act — and rightly so. Recently, I had the privilege of helping to coordinate support for 40 BBC local radio stations as they took part in the BBC Children in Need 1000 Mile Challenge. Each station was represented by two presenters walking 25 miles three-legged, and we called on our accredited universities to provide staff and students to support them.
The response was incredible. Volunteers gave their time, their professional expertise, and their energy — some even travelled long distances and spent time away from home to ensure the event’s success. Their commitment helped raise vital funds for a cause that touches lives across the UK.
But volunteering doesn’t just benefit the cause — it gives back in meaningful ways. It builds confidence, strengthens communication and leadership skills, and fosters a deep sense of community and purpose. For students, it offers real-world experience and the chance to apply their learning in impactful ways. For staff, it’s a reminder of the power of collaboration and the joy of making a difference.
In giving, we gain. And in supporting others, we often find renewed motivation, connection, and pride in what we do — both as individuals and as a collective.
A heartfelt thank you to the universities, staff, students, and everyone else who helped make this event such a huge success. The Society of Sports Therapists is proud to represent such an inspiring and dedicated group of professionals and future practitioners.”

University College Birmingham

BBC Radio WM’s 25-mile stage of the BBC Children in Need Thousand Mile Challenge had a twist — walkers were tied together, three-legged! University College Birmingham’s sports therapy team, including senior lecturer Gareth Bate and students Owen Bolton-Astley and alumnus Callum Davidson, provided essential medical support throughout the event, managing blisters, taping, and cramps.

Covering key locations like Molineux and St Andrew’s stadium, the challenge tested endurance and teamwork. Presenter PJ Ellis praised the care from the university team, saying it made a huge difference to his experience.

This challenge is just one of many hands-on opportunities for sports therapy students to build valuable skills while supporting important causes.

[Read more here]

University of Hertfordshire

Students from the University of Hertfordshire’s Institute of Sport played a key role in the BBC Children in Need Thousand Mile Challenge, helping radio presenters prepare for and complete their three-legged walks across the UK.

Before the event, presenters Andy Collins, Kimberley Piper, and Shay Kaur Grewal visited the Institute for mobility and strength assessments, receiving expert advice to get physically and mentally ready. During the challenge, sports therapy students provided vital support with injury prevention, physiotherapy, and motivation.

Jenny Jones, Principle Lecturer at University of Hertfordshire, praised the students’ professionalism and the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful cause.

Presenter Andy Collins said the preparation was invaluable, giving him and his team confidence to tackle the walk.

[Read more here]