Joe Wicks raises over £1.5 million for Children in Need in 24-hour fitness challenge

‘I’m absolutely broken’ he said

The celebrity fitness coach exercised for 24 hours without sleep to raise money for Children in Need (Ken McKay/Rex Features)

Celebrity fitness star Joe Wicks has completed his 24-hour PE challenge for Children in Need this morning, raising over £1.5 million pounds.

The 34-year-old began the physical challenge at 9.25am on Thursday, live-streaming the event on BBC iPlayer and YouTube, and successfully completing it on Friday morning after 24 hours without sleep.

His day of marathon fitness included indoor rowing, cycling and boxing, and of course his famous HIIT (high-intensity) workouts.

Writing on Twitter, the coach said: “OMG we did it. What an incredible 24 hours.

“I’m absolutely broken but we raised an unbelievable amount of money for @BBCiN and we’re going to help so many people.

“THANK YOU to everyone that donated or sent me a message. I could not have done this without you.”

In total, the fundraising challenge raised £1,520,020 for the children’s charity.

BBC Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two presenter Zoe Ball commended his efforts, writing on Twitter: “Joe – can’t even put into words how much love we have for you.

“Power to you & the @BBCRadio2 listeners for this phenomenal effort. This money will help so many. Stay golden.”

Another user wrote: “You got so many of us thru lockdown. Now get some sleep. X”

Wicks has been praised for getting the nation active during the coronavirus pandemic and received an MBE last month for his fitness efforts.

His free online classes for children and parents during lockdown stacked up more than 70 million views.

“2020 has been a challenging year for us all,” said the father-of-two Wicks, “so what better way to end it than by raising money for BBC Children in Need, a charity very close to my heart”.

Children in Need will air on BBC One from 7pm on Friday 13 November.