This morning, at 6:30 am, BBC presenter Lindsey Russell set off on a run.
This wasn’t your average morning jog, however. Lindsey’s mission was to run 20 miles across the Irish Sea, from Donaghadee beach in Northern Ireland to the shores of Portpatrick in Scotland.
That's 12.7 miles done for @sportrelief!
Time for more spaghetti hoops & chocolate for #Waverunner@Linds_bluepeter pic.twitter.com/B9gDxqLZna— CBBC (@cbbc) February 25, 2016
There wasn’t any sorcery at work, nor any miracles; simply Lindsey’s own strength and a giant inflatable barrel, known as a “zorb.”
AND SHE'S OFF! @Linds_bluepeter AKA the #WaveRunner is en route to Scotland via the IRISH SEA, all for @sportrelief. pic.twitter.com/WaKrKgDpdh
— CBBC (@cbbc) February 25, 2016
Russell had spent many hours training for her grueling 14-hour challenge, which she undertook in support of Sport Relief, the big athletic fundraising event from BBC Sport and the charity Comic Relief.
Daylight and calm waters 2 hours done #waverunner #bobby@Linds_bluepeter @sportrelief @BluePeterBBC pic.twitter.com/qpSZ5j7Nfm
— infinityswimming (@infinitychanne3) February 25, 2016
The zorb is aptly named Bobby.
It'll take longer, but be worth it! @Linds_bluepeter is #zorbing the Irish Sea in aid of @sportrelief #WaveRunner pic.twitter.com/Oqh9hrOCeM
— Podium Magazine (@Podium_Magazine) February 25, 2016
Unfortunately, Lindsey was forced to abandon her mission only a few hours in due to perilous weather conditions.
One word - choppy! The #Waverunner is go across the Irish Sea @Linds_bluepeter #SR16 @cbbc pic.twitter.com/pNaGBE2GIB
— Sport Relief (@sportrelief) February 25, 2016
Sport Relief still applauded her bravery and commitment to their cause, stating "Lindsey's Sport Relief challenge was always going to be incredibly hard and zorbing many miles across the Irish Channel is a huge achievement. Whilst we were, in the end, defeated by the weather, we're incredibly proud of Lindsey and her efforts. Blue Peter [Lindsey’s BBC show] is all about giving it a go and getting stuck in which is exactly what she did today.”
This was the moment @Linds_bluepeter came into harbour to be met by her dad & local school kids #WaveRunner pic.twitter.com/iudXMS6Vh2
— Sport Relief (@sportrelief) February 25, 2016
Well done, Lindsey!
We give you the AMAZING @Linds_bluepeter who is safe after her incredible #waverunner attempt. #SR16 pic.twitter.com/vaUhUy0Mmb
— Sport Relief (@sportrelief) February 25, 2016