By Terry Bearpark
A popular BBC Radio Humberside presenter is hoping to raise thousands of pounds after walking from Hull to Withernsea last Wednesday.
Kofi Smiles, who presents the breakfast show, decided to undertake the 22-mile walk back to his hometown to raise cash for BBC Children in Need.
Accompanied by colleagues from the radio station and BBC Look North he was also joined by members of Fitmums, Mental Health Mates and A Platform to Talk, who planned on walking with him from the studio to Hedon but, encouraged by Kofi’s enthusiasm, some of them carried on to Withernsea, helped by the unusually sunny conditions.
The walkers made quite a few stops on the way and called in at schools in Hedon, Thorngumbald, Keyingham and Patrington where at each venue eager pupils and staff were waiting to say hello, make donations and challenge Kofi with various tasks.
There was an added bonus for the youngsters as he was accompanied by Pudsey Bear who delighted the pupils with his appearance.
As he approached the Pier Towers in the darkness, Kofi was greeted by a large number of well-wishers and pupils from the Verity Lee School of Dance, who were holding a specially made banner.
Despite the long day Kofi lived up to his name and smiled all the way, taking time to talk to people he met and posing for photographs.
Asked how he felt after the walk, he said: “I feel really good, it has been a pleasure to meet so many lovely people. Everyone has been so generous and donated cash to a really good cause. Thank you, everyone, for making it an unforgettable day for us.”
After the welcome at the Pier Towers he surprised everyone by having a swim in the sea to ease his weary bones.
If you would like to make a donation to his fundraising, visit bbc.in/bbccinwalkandtalk.
