Rickshaw ride transforms Harry

Plymouth teenager Harry Parker says taking part in the BBC Children in Need Rickshaw Challenge has been a life-changing experience that has transformed his self-confidence and how he communicates with people.

Harry, 17, from Plympton, was one of six young cyclists who took it in turns to ride the rickshaw 423 miles from Calais to the BBC studios in Salford.

They set off on November 9 and reached Salford during the live BBC Children in Need Show on 16 November. As they crossed the finish line, the money raised by the Rickshaw Challenge flashed up on a big screen – £4.3 million.

The rickshaw riders were nominated to take part by a charity in their local area – in Harry’s case that was Plymouth-based Friends & Families of Special Children – that has supported them with the help of BBC Children in Need funding.

Rickshaw rider Harry Parker gets a special Plymouth Argyle shirt from director James Brent