The very moment that Sara Cox found out that she's raised over £2 million in her Children in Need challenge...

Sara Cox
BBC Radio 2's Great Northern Marathon Woman

That is the best news, you absolute legends! Over £2 million! That's going to make so much difference, thank you for every penny! Everybody works so hard, everyone giving up their hard-earned cash, thank you - we're grateful for every penny, it really helps!

Scott Mills has just shared the latest fundraising total with Sara Cox live on Radio 2, and it's a big one!

The latest, official total is... an incredible £2,354,405. All raised so far for BBC Children in Need!

We can't thank you enough! Find out how to support Sara with a donation.

Hearing the figure left Sara understandably delighted, as the support from listeners and communities along her route continues to power her through every mile of her epic challenge.

Some photos of Sara being surprised by her sister Dot, and members of her family.

Heartwarming stuff!

A wonderful moment just now during Scott Mills' Breakfast Show on Radio 2, as Sara's sister Dot, and other family members, surprised her during the fourth day of her challenge.

Speaking to Scott on air before surprising Sara, Dot said: "I'm pretty nervous, but I can't wait to see her. Sara doesn't know I'm here, we spoke about it last weekend, but didn't confirm anything. Yesterday was tough when she was upset, we were all upset. We just want her to be safe, I want it to be over, but I'm so, so proud of her."

Then, Dot surprised Sara as she was running and you could just tell that it meant a lot to Sara.

And Sara's reaction? "That was a lovely surprise. I thought, we need better security - who is this running towards me?"

"That was perfectly timed, just as soon as I'm starting to hurt. Pain's really tiring. It was a real boost, thank you so much!"

Listener Sharon captured the mood perfectly this morning as Sara Cox passed by on her Great Northern Marathon Challenge route. Speaking to Scott Mills live on Radio 2, Sharon admitted she hadn’t expected to feel so moved:

"She’s here! Oh gosh, I’m quite emotional really… she’s got a big smile on her face, she looks great, she’s really doing well. That was really quite emotional!"

"Sara! Sara! Sara! Sara!"

Day 3 was an emotional rollercoaster.

The day started with a moving catch up with Scott Mills after a sleepless night, with Scott admitting he had his doubts on whether she would finish the day, let alone the challenge.

But thanks to the amazing crowds gathering along the route, pop-up appearances from friend Gethin Jones, a 40-strong tractor salute and an adorable edition of Sara's show theme song, You're Welcome - Sara pushed through the pain and made it to Richmond!

Not only did she make it with a smile on her face, but she also raised an incredible £1.9 million!

Watch some highlights from Wednesday below:

Day 4 is the longest day of her challenge and Sara is aiming to cover 29.5 miles. We're hoping that a good night's rest will see her through!

With Pudsey by her side, and Radio 2 listeners cheering her on, the journey kicked off again earlier this morning - powered by great Northern grit, community spirit, and the drive to raise money for BBC Children in Need!

Here are some wonderful snaps of when Sara set off again!

As the sun rose over the cobbled square and clocktower this morning, a well-rested Sara Cox set off on the fourth day of her Great Northern Marathon Challenge.

See some pics from the early-morning start below:

Sara is into the penultimate day of her Great Northern Marathon Challenge for BBC Children in Need.

If you'd like to support Sara with a text or online donation, and spur her on even further, you can find all the details below or at bbc.co.uk/sara!

Long-time fundraiser Stephen Wakefield spoke to Scott Mills this morning from live from Richmond:

"35 years I've done fundraising for Children in Need and in that time I've raised £150,000. I'd just like to thank everybody who put [money] into my treasure chest when I was a deep sea diver or when I've been plodding the streets pushing my pram between Ilkey and Leeds."

But this year's fundraising is a deeply personal one, as Stephen says: "This is a special pram push this year. We lost our son to cancer last November."

Stephen explained that the 17-mile pram push from lkley to Leeds will be completed in memory of his late son, using his pram from childhood.

"It's the same pram we're doing it in. And long may it continue..."

Scott Mills
BBC Radio 2 Presenter

Before she set off, Scott Mills admitted to Sara on Radio 2 that he was worried about her after her challenges during Wednesday's leg...

I think I called you a broken woman yesterday. I was fearing talking to you this morning, I'm really glad you sound positive and upbeat.

You can follow Sara's every move with our very handy online tracker, which charts her progress in getting Pudsey to Pudsey.

That's available now on the BBC Children in Need website, external.

Today's end point, Sara's penultimate checkpoint, is Ripley - just north of Harrogate in Yorkshire.

It's the only village in England to have been completely rebuilt twice... by the same family, over a span of 700 years.

Ripley is known for its historic castle, cobbled streets and beautiful landscapes, as well as its ice cream.

But it's unlikely there'll be time for Sara to play tourist today sadly!

She's three marathons down and today is Sara’s toughest - and longest - of the challenge for sure. The road ahead is beautiful...yet brutal. She faces more than 29 unforgiving miles of hell.

After crawling through the town of Catterick Garrison, the terrain turns treacherous once again, as Sara tackles the undulating countryside through Masham, Grewelthorpe and Kirkby Malzeard.

After more than 12 hours on the road today… as the light fades, she’ll finally arrive in Ripley, a full FOUR marathons completed, and feeling every blister in her feet.

Sara Cox
BBC Radio 2's Great Northern Marathon Woman

I slept last night! I'm feeling up for Day 4! I'm not counting my chickens as today is a long day, but sleep is everything. I feel rested!

Sara Cox
BBC Radio 2's Great Northern Marathon Woman

I proper limped across the finish line last night, my hip was killing me. I couldn't change my gait, there was no way I could do even a light trot. I just waddled and limped. It felt like a tennis ball of pain in my calf, it was horrible - never known pain like it. I knew this was going to be tough, but I don't think I was ready for the pain, it's extreme!

After speaking to Scott Mills about the challenges of Day 3, which included a gruelling day and "limping over the finish line", Sara Cox now says that she's feeling more positive and upbeat for the fourth day.

We love to hear it!

She's slept better, and is feeling more rested, and she's set off once again!

Sara was set off on her way from Richmond by the local Mayor, Carl, and horn-player Stephen. And it's back to the grind!

As Sara put it: "I'm ready, let's do this nation! Come on, Radio 2 crew!"

Want to follow all the action?

Here are a few ways you can keep up-to-date with Sara's progress for the rest of the week, during her Great Northern Marathon Challenge for Children in Need.

You can follow Sara’s journey right here - we'll be providing regular updates, photos, videos and more highlights throughout each day this week.

You'll also be able to follow her every move with our new Sara Tracker, external.

Listen along live to Radio 2 by clicking or tapping the audio icon at the top of the page. Or ask your smart speaker to 'Play BBC Radio 2' - get more help with using smart speakers here.

And you can take Sara with you via the BBC Sounds app if you're on the move - if you've not downloaded it, here's some help in getting started.

Plus, don’t miss a BBC One special following Sara's journey airing next Wednesday, 19 November.