The Rickshaw Challenge for BBC Children in Need is back this year with a difference and the route is heading to Manchester next month. 

The Great Rickshaw Relay Challenge will see The One Show host Matt Baker and a team take on a relay-style ride in five chapters, with each rider taking a leg each, travelling through their hometowns and visiting places that are significant to them.

Baker will be there to pass the rickshaw baton between five inspirational young people who are taking part in the challenge from November 1 – 5.  

The challenge will be filmed for a one-off Children In Need special as part of the 2021 appeal.

The Rickshaw Challenge has raised more than £41 million for the charity in 11 years.

Speaking of this year’s Great Rickshaw Relay Challenge, Matt Baker says: “The first-ever Great Rickshaw Relay Challenge special programme will provide a behind the scenes look at how we get the Rickshaw on the road and the trials and tribulations over an incredible week with some inspirational young people.

“It’s been a big part of my life over the last 10 years and I’m over the moon we’ve managed to find a way of it happening again and show viewers how their donations help change young lives.”

Who is taking part?

The five youngsters taking part in the relay have all be supported by BBC Children in Need funded projects.

Rainbow, 18 from Liverpool, will be starting the journey on November 2 at Media City, Manchester.

The Bolton News: Matt Baker and Rainbow (BBC)Matt Baker and Rainbow (BBC)

He is a huge advocate for blind young people after being born with anavidea mystagnus, a condition which means his eyes couldn’t focus and he had glaucoma.

He is a force of positivity and an ambassador for British Blind Sport, which encourages visually impaired people to get involved in sport.

Rainbow said: “Football has opened so many doors for me and I am hopeful of one day representing Great Britain at the Paralympics.

“I have overcome so many challenges in my life, so I can’t wait to take on a new challenge, The Great Rickshaw Relay Challenge 2021.”

What is the route?

The route will go all over the country, starting in Somerset on November 1 and ending in Edinburgh on November 5.

Here are the details of the full route:

November 1 – Somerset, Bristol

November 2 – Media City, Manchester

November 3 – Southport

November 4 – Ulverston, Cumbria

November 5 – Edinburgh, Scotland

The BBC are also encouraging people to take part in the Pedal for Pudsey fundraiser, whether it be cycling round town or taking part virtually.