BBC Presenter and Rugby Legend's Wife to Push Sofa 80 Miles for Charity

BBC Look North presenter Amy Garcia and Lindsey Burrow, wife of the late rugby league star Rob Burrow, are set to push the program's iconic red sofa 80 miles across Yorkshire to raise money for Children in Need. The challenge, spanning five days from November 9 to November 13, will see the pair cover between 12 and 20 miles daily.

Their journey will commence in Ripon on Monday, November 9, and conclude in Wakefield on Friday, November 13, passing through South Yorkshire along the way. Portions of their effort will be broadcast live. This follows their successful 2025 challenge where they walked 30 miles across Yorkshire with their legs tied together, raising significant funds for the charity.

Garcia described the undertaking as pushing the sofa out of the Look North studio on a specially designed trolley. The route includes visits to numerous towns and villages and will feature ascents of challenging climbs like Holme Moss. Along their path, they will also visit projects funded by Children in Need to observe their work supporting young people.

Lindsey Burrow, who has completed several marathons in memory of her husband Rob Burrow, who passed away in 2024, anticipates this will be one of her most demanding challenges. She noted that a brief test push revealed it was considerably harder than expected. "I like to take part in fundraising, and to be able to support Children in Need with the incredible work that they do and support the charities, is just really special," Burrow stated.

This is not the first time the Look North sofa has been used for a charity event. In 2018, Garcia participated in the Big 50 Sofa Challenge with Harry Gration and Paul Hudson for Sport Relief, which raised nearly £200,000. Garcia commented that while the sofa is heavier than in 2018, the opportunity to connect with viewers is a significant motivator. She also expressed enthusiasm for undertaking another challenge with Burrow, highlighting their shared passion as mothers for helping children who lack opportunities.

The Route

• November 9: Ripon to Knaresborough (via Harrogate)
• November 10: Sprotbrough to Conisbrough (via Mexborough)
• November 11: Strines to Sheffield (via Worrall)
• November 12: Meltham to Holme Moss (via Holmfirth)
• November 13: Morley to Wakefield (via Ossett)

Further details on how to donate to the Children in Need 2026 challenge will be released in the coming weeks.