The Daily Mirror reports that the early breakfast presenter on BBC Radio 2, gay hero Owain Wyn Evans, is to take on a mammoth cycling challenge for the annual Children in Need Appeal. Starting in Glasgow, Owain’s five-day cycle mission begins on Monday 9 November, and sees him pedal nearly 400 miles through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and his home country of Wales, before his journey reaches a grand finale in central Cardiff on Friday 13 November. Along the way, he’ll experience and showcase some of the UK’s most spectacular scenery, taking in Scotland’s rugged coastline, Northern Ireland’s lush green landscapes, the wild weather of North West England and the rolling hills of Wales.

It is anticipated that Owain's challenge will bring in several million pounds of donations to the appeal.

BBC Children in Need dates back to 1929, as a weekly slot on the early BBC. In 1979, it was reformatted as an annual "telethon" type appeal, which takes place across the BBC's Television, local and national radio services and online platforms. Although not BBC stations, many hospital and community radio stations also get involved in the appeal which raises hundreds of millions of pounds each year for disadvantaged young people. The grant making body that oversees the funds, has always been generous to LGBTQIA children's charities.

Owain Wyn Evans presents the early breakfast show on BBC Radio 2 which can be found at 88 to 91 FM, digital DAB radio, Freeview and cable platforms, and online. Although he won't be in the studio for his challenge, BBC Radio 2 staff say that he will be reporting in to the station throughout the cycle ride.

The main BBC Children in Need Telethon night is Friday 13th November from 7pm across all BBC network Television and radio.