0:00:04 > 0:00:08This year Sport Relief 2016 is going to be huge,
0:00:08 > 0:00:12and we wanted to do something epic to inspire you to get involved.
0:00:12 > 0:00:17So I'm going to attempt to run across that - the Irish Sea.
0:00:24 > 0:00:28I'll need to train harder than I've ever trained before,
0:00:28 > 0:00:31working with an elite team of specialists.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33Keep driving, keep driving.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37Can I conquer the sea and find a way to walk on water?
0:00:37 > 0:00:38SHE SCREAMS
0:00:38 > 0:00:40Can I become the wave runner?
0:00:45 > 0:00:49Sport Relief has raised over £260 million for good causes,
0:00:49 > 0:00:52both here in the UK and abroad.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56And this year, we want you to walk, run, swim or cycle yourself proud
0:00:56 > 0:00:58with Blue Peter.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01So to get you in Sport Relief spirit,
0:01:01 > 0:01:04we wanted to do something so tough that it's never been done before.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06And back in September,
0:01:06 > 0:01:10we came up with the idea of running 20 miles across the Irish Sea.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13So, running on water. How's that going to work?
0:01:13 > 0:01:15Huuuargh!
0:01:17 > 0:01:19Yeah, not like that.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23One way would be to use one of these - a Zorb.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27A giant ball full of air that can be used on land or water.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30'Perfect. Challenge sorted!'
0:01:30 > 0:01:33I'm going to run the Irish Sea...
0:01:33 > 0:01:35Whoa, whoa, whoa!
0:01:36 > 0:01:40Er... Yeah, this is a lot trickier than it looks.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Do you know what, guys? This isn't going to work.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49I think we're going to need some help.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56What I need is a team of elite engineers who can take a Zorb ball
0:01:56 > 0:01:59and turn it into a souped-up sea-crossing machine.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Meet brothers Grant and James,
0:02:01 > 0:02:04who've been building inventions since they were 12.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07I'm excited to be here because I am used to Blue Peter makes,
0:02:07 > 0:02:11but this one is kind of the make to end all makes, isn't it?
0:02:11 > 0:02:12What are we dealing with?
0:02:12 > 0:02:16Well, somehow, we've got to propel you across the water,
0:02:16 > 0:02:18so we've come up with this design for you.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20- Can I have a look?- Yeah. Here we go.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22SHE GASPS Awesome!
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Do you know what? That's not at all what I was expecting.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28It makes me really want to physically see it.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Fortunately we've got a little mock-up for you.
0:02:31 > 0:02:32- So...- What a treat!
0:02:32 > 0:02:34- Hey, Grant.- Hiya.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- Here it is.- Here's a 1/20th scale of the model that you'll be in.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40I was going to say, it needs to be a bit bigger than that.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43So the plan is to build a frame around the inflatable ball
0:02:43 > 0:02:44which will have paddles on it.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47The paddles will help the structure move through the water
0:02:47 > 0:02:49and allow me to control it.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52Grant uses his drill to demonstrate how it should work.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54- So...- Whoo!
0:02:54 > 0:02:56I see. OK, so with paddles,
0:02:56 > 0:02:59I'm actually going to travel across the water, aren't I?
0:02:59 > 0:03:01Yes, exactly. This pushes the water out the way.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04- I can see that. - Or, in effect, pushes you along.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06I'm really excited. You guys have got loads of work to do here.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- I've got even more to do in the gym. Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:03:09 > 0:03:10I can't wait to see you next time.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- See you soon.- Thanks, guys. I'll start the training now.
0:03:13 > 0:03:14This world-first challenge
0:03:14 > 0:03:17is tougher than anything I've attempted before.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19It could take up to 15 hours,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22and that means I need to be seriously fit.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26So back in October, I met sport scientist Greg Whyte.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28He trained David Walliams and Davina McCall
0:03:28 > 0:03:31for their incredible Sport Relief challenges.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35And two years ago, he prepared me for my gruelling mountain marathon.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38So today's really all about Lindsey's overall fitness.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41It's about her heart, her lungs, it's about her aerobic capacity,
0:03:41 > 0:03:45and it's about her strength in preparation for this challenge.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52'Greg uses special equipment to measure how fit I am.'
0:03:52 > 0:03:54Keep driving it now.
0:03:54 > 0:03:55That's good. Very nice indeed.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59'I'll be facing 20 miles of freezing open water.'
0:03:59 > 0:04:01Keep driving, keep driving, keep driving.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04Let's go, let's go, let's go. We're not stopping yet.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07'So Greg needs to know exactly what my body can handle.'
0:04:07 > 0:04:08SHE PANTS
0:04:08 > 0:04:11The nice thing for you is that you've got an engine.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14But, basically, what we need to do is actually fine-tune that.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- Particularly for this challenge. - Yeah.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20Whoo! Oh!
0:04:20 > 0:04:21Dripping.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- There you were pushing out about 160 watts.- Yeah.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27We need that much, much higher, so you've got to be really strong.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29And in that Zorb, you've got to be really strong.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32I don't know how I'm going to do this. Oh!
0:04:33 > 0:04:36Greg puts together an intensive training plan
0:04:36 > 0:04:38designed to turn me into the wave runner.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40Over the next four months,
0:04:40 > 0:04:44I'll build up to running a staggering six hours in one go.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47Meanwhile, our engineers begin putting together
0:04:47 > 0:04:52my wave running machine, hand-building every single piece.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54It's literally one-of-a-kind.
0:04:54 > 0:04:55There's a lot of hard work
0:04:55 > 0:04:58and late nights go in to actually building it,
0:04:58 > 0:05:00but once you actually see the thing finished
0:05:00 > 0:05:03and you see it in action, it's going to really pay off.
0:05:03 > 0:05:08By December, it's time to test this incredible machine on water
0:05:08 > 0:05:10for the first time.
0:05:10 > 0:05:11I have no idea what to expect.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14I've got to say, I'm feeling quite nervous this morning.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19Oh, my goodness! It's over there.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22It looks awesome.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26But it looks absolutely huge. I did not expect that.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33It really does look like a spaceship.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35That is now my best friend.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38This has just made the challenge very real.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41'It looks amazing. I just want to get inside.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43'But I'm not sure how.'
0:05:43 > 0:05:44I'll push off the boat. Ahh!
0:05:47 > 0:05:48I'm in!
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- Oh, wow. This is not what I expected.- It's not that big, is it?
0:05:51 > 0:05:54OK, this is officially my first time in the Zorb,
0:05:54 > 0:05:56and cos it's my first time,
0:05:56 > 0:05:58I want to show you what it's like in here.
0:05:58 > 0:06:03Have a look at this. That is going to be my view for hours and hours.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06OK, first ever steps I'm going to try and take.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08Whaaa!
0:06:08 > 0:06:10Whoa!
0:06:10 > 0:06:11Wait, what do I do?
0:06:11 > 0:06:14Walk a big step forward and use your hands as well.
0:06:14 > 0:06:15- Just keep going.- Oh, my goodness!
0:06:15 > 0:06:17SHE SQUEALS
0:06:17 > 0:06:21'It takes a while to get going and, at first, I am struggling.'
0:06:21 > 0:06:23SHE SQUEALS
0:06:23 > 0:06:26'But I slowly start to work out a technique...'
0:06:26 > 0:06:28Yay! '..to get me moving.'
0:06:28 > 0:06:31My first ever steps of this whole challenge.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33Ah! It's so wet!
0:06:35 > 0:06:36Oh! Do you know what?
0:06:36 > 0:06:39That is so much tougher than I thought it was going to be.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43And it's wet in there, it's claustrophobic,
0:06:43 > 0:06:46it's hard to breathe, it's hard to even make the ball move.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48I think there's going to have to be a lot of changes made...
0:06:48 > 0:06:50- Yeah.- ..if that's going to work.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53We're going to have to go back to the workshop and see what we can do.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55And I've got to get back to that gym.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57I didn't know how much arm strength that was going to take.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59It's worrying. It is really scary, this challenge.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04Getting on the water for the first time has been a real eye-opener.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07It's clear my training has to change.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09So far, I've been working on my legs,
0:07:09 > 0:07:12but now I know I'll rely just as much on my arms.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16This is horrible.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22'If I'm to run over 20 miles across the sea,
0:07:22 > 0:07:24'I need to hit the gym virtually every day...'
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- Ohhh!- Good to go?
0:07:26 > 0:07:27- Yeah.- Fast hands.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30'..doing exercises that build up every muscle in my body.'
0:07:30 > 0:07:32I feel sick.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36'And that means pushing myself harder than I ever have before.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40'So that's me, but what about my wave running machine?
0:07:40 > 0:07:43'It's time for its next test - sea conditions.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46'But we're not quite ready for the open ocean yet.'
0:07:46 > 0:07:49If I'm going to be a wave runner, I'm going to need waves.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52That's why I've come here to the RNLI Sea Survival Centre.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55You know what? I think I've found my waves.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59The Royal National Lifeboat Institution
0:07:59 > 0:08:01is the charity that saves lives at sea.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03Their teams of highly trained volunteers
0:08:03 > 0:08:07have rescued over 141,000 people.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11Today, their lifeguards are helping us to understand
0:08:11 > 0:08:13how my ball will react to open water
0:08:13 > 0:08:16in this special pool which mimics the sea.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18We're hoping to see what happens with wavy conditions
0:08:18 > 0:08:22and things like that, and see if the ball capsizes or not.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24Hopefully, fingers crossed, it's all OK.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31So, this is it. First time with the wave machine on.
0:08:31 > 0:08:32Oooh!
0:08:32 > 0:08:36I'm really bobbing up and down now.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41'Already, the difference to calm water is incredible,
0:08:41 > 0:08:43'and I've got to move in this.'
0:08:43 > 0:08:46OK, here we go. Whaa! It's moving.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48I am all over the place. Ah!
0:08:48 > 0:08:50'It's so tough to keep my balance,
0:08:50 > 0:08:54'and these waves are only one metre high.'
0:08:54 > 0:08:55Whoa!
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Oh, my goodness!
0:08:57 > 0:08:59'I manage to get to the end of the pool,
0:08:59 > 0:09:01'but it's really taken it out of me.'
0:09:01 > 0:09:04Do you know what? That was near impossible.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Those one-metre waves are tough,
0:09:07 > 0:09:10and if it was like that for the real challenge,
0:09:10 > 0:09:11it's not happening.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13'And that's not all.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15'Part of my challenge could take place at night,
0:09:15 > 0:09:18'so it's time to turn the lights out.'
0:09:18 > 0:09:20Oh, whoa!
0:09:20 > 0:09:23This is terrifying.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25Whoo!
0:09:25 > 0:09:27'I can barely see where I'm going,
0:09:27 > 0:09:30'but I somehow manage a length of the pool.'
0:09:30 > 0:09:31Did it!
0:09:34 > 0:09:38The RNLI test has shown us we are far from ready for the sea.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41So whilst the engineers return the wave runner to the workshop
0:09:41 > 0:09:43for further improvements, it's back to the gym for me.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50And a few weeks later, we're ready to train on the water again.
0:09:50 > 0:09:51So, here we go.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56'At first, I feel like I'm doing OK.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00'But then the winds pick up
0:10:00 > 0:10:03'and it makes it really hard for me to keep my rhythm.'
0:10:05 > 0:10:07SHE GROANS
0:10:07 > 0:10:10'Try as I might, I just can't keep it going.'
0:10:10 > 0:10:11I'm so tired!
0:10:13 > 0:10:16'And the frustration really gets to me.'
0:10:18 > 0:10:21I just thought today was going to be a lot easier than it is.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25I'm drenched in there, and cold, and I can't get it to go.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29I don't see how I'm meant to get from one country to another in that.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31Doesn't seem possible.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34I'm at an all-time low,
0:10:34 > 0:10:37so the Sport Relief team arranged for me to meet one of my heroes -
0:10:37 > 0:10:39TV presenter Davina McCall.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43In 2014, Davina ran, swam and cycled
0:10:43 > 0:10:46an incredible 500 miles for Sport Relief.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49How did she find the strength to keep going?
0:10:49 > 0:10:50I ask her over a cup of tea.
0:10:50 > 0:10:55I found I had a lot more in me than I thought I did,
0:10:55 > 0:10:57and that's been an amazing journey for me.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00I think that's quite a cool thing to discover, isn't it?
0:11:00 > 0:11:02Why do we do Sport Relief?
0:11:02 > 0:11:04I think I've just been to see some amazing projects
0:11:04 > 0:11:06and I've seen the difference that it makes.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10If you help one person, then they grow up having a better life,
0:11:10 > 0:11:13and they can, in turn, help others, and help others,
0:11:13 > 0:11:15- and it's like a mushroom effect. - Yeah.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18So when we're raising... or you're raising money at home,
0:11:18 > 0:11:20all of it goes to good causes.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23And it really, massively makes a difference.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25And that's what keeps me going.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- Really, really, really good luck. - Thank you.- We'll be thinking of you.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31Will you come with me and do it for me?
0:11:31 > 0:11:32- No.- No. OK, that's fine.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37Meeting Davina has genuinely inspired me.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39So it's back to the water to give it another go.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45I dig deep and remember Davina's words.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50Slowly but surely, step by step, I'm starting to find my rhythm.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Finally, after two months, I am wave running.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01You're flying, Lindsey. Fast as ever.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03I actually got quite into it then.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07I managed to just switch off and just go into wave runner mode.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09It's quite nice. Everything feels possible.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19It's now early February, and less than a month until my challenge.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22My wave running machine is in Salford
0:12:22 > 0:12:25to be unveiled to the country live on Blue Peter.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30This has now got real.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33You suddenly see it and it's not a theory, it's not an idea.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- This is real.- This might just be one of the most difficult challenges
0:12:37 > 0:12:38you've seen on Blue Peter.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40It's like running a marathon, but on water.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- Big moment. Everyone ready?- Ready. - There it is!
0:12:43 > 0:12:46CHEERING
0:12:46 > 0:12:48If you think that's impressive,
0:12:48 > 0:12:51just wait until you see what I'm going to do.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55It doesn't seem long ago that we were dreaming up this idea,
0:12:55 > 0:12:57and now we're telling the nation.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59I'm really starting to feel the pressure.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05But with all the excitement over,
0:13:05 > 0:13:07it's time to turn my attention back to the challenge,
0:13:07 > 0:13:10and that means more hard work.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12SHE PANTS
0:13:12 > 0:13:15Do you know what? This training is getting so tough.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20These runs are so hard. The gym work is so tough.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24And I just... I just really hope we can do this. Scary.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26Right, back to training.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32I'm now three months into my gruelling schedule,
0:13:32 > 0:13:33working out six days a week
0:13:33 > 0:13:36and running up to 30 miles at a time.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38That's longer than a marathon.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41My physical fitness has improved dramatically.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43I have more strength in my legs
0:13:43 > 0:13:46and weight training has increased the power in my upper body.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49But all this training is starting to catch up with me.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54Ow. SHE WINCES
0:13:54 > 0:13:58I've been doing my really long sessions in the gym.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00I've noticed that my legs don't like me very much,
0:14:00 > 0:14:02and my knee, especially my left knee,
0:14:02 > 0:14:05has been really, really hurting.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08I'd say most of the issues, if not all of them, are about fatigue.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10She's getting tired.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13And things start to ache when you get tired.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17'Trevor uses a special tape to help support my knee
0:14:17 > 0:14:18'as I keep training.'
0:14:18 > 0:14:21Look at this. The glamour of being a wave runner!
0:14:24 > 0:14:26So, taped back together, I head to Scotland
0:14:26 > 0:14:28to face my next big test -
0:14:28 > 0:14:30the sea.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33This sleepy seaside town called Portpatrick
0:14:33 > 0:14:36will be the finish line for my challenge.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38And it's about to meet the wave runner.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45We're here to find out how our inflatable ball
0:14:45 > 0:14:47will cope with the sea.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50And for that, we need a new member of the wave runner team.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55Introducing king of the waves, Richard.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59He has years of experience sailing the Irish Sea
0:14:59 > 0:15:03and will be responsible for plotting my wave runner route.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06So it's vital he sees what I can do on open water.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09Wave runner, wave runner...
0:15:10 > 0:15:12Today is going to be a bit scary.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14Because now it feels official,
0:15:14 > 0:15:17and I really am going to attempt to be the wave runner.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20Bye. See you later.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25Now I just kind of want to get in there, do it today,
0:15:25 > 0:15:28and, hopefully, make it work on the sea.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30- Here we go.- Enjoy.
0:15:30 > 0:15:31Bye, everyone.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37OK, Lindsey, just start walking... the other way, the other side.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Turn round and start powering away.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46'These are my very first steps in the sea
0:15:46 > 0:15:48'and, straightaway, it feels a lot harder
0:15:48 > 0:15:51'than the flat water of the training lake.'
0:15:51 > 0:15:52Why am I going this way?
0:15:52 > 0:15:54Why it's getting spun
0:15:54 > 0:15:57is just that you've had a wind gust just changing direction.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00SHE SIGHS No.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03'The waves make it really difficult for me to keep my balance.'
0:16:03 > 0:16:05No, it's pushing me.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10'And to make matters worse, the wind keeps forcing me off course.'
0:16:10 > 0:16:11Going in circles.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15Once you stop the rotation, then the wind catches you.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17- I know.- So we need to keep it rotating to get it going.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20This sea is, like, throwing me around this thing, though.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22'I have to try and get some distance.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24'I don't want the weather to beat me.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26'So I give it another go.'
0:16:26 > 0:16:28OK, let's do this. Come on.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30Come on!
0:16:32 > 0:16:33Walk, walk, walk.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35Not going anywhere.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38'But however much I try to move forwards,
0:16:38 > 0:16:40'the wind just forces me back.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43'This is becoming impossible.'
0:16:43 > 0:16:45What we're looking at now is the wind.
0:16:45 > 0:16:46The wind's causing us a few issues,
0:16:46 > 0:16:50but we need to see the thing moving to see how we can resolve it.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53OK, well, I can't physically move it sometimes.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56'We have found the limit of what my wave runner can take,
0:16:56 > 0:16:57'and it's worrying.'
0:16:57 > 0:16:59Ooh.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03It's almost too much for the Zorb to handle.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05And it's too much for me to handle,
0:17:05 > 0:17:07being thrown from side to side and trying to steer it.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12The first day has been a disaster.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16But the next morning, the weather throws us a lifeline.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21The wind has dropped and conditions are perfect.
0:17:21 > 0:17:22Time to give it another go.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27The thing about this challenge is there are constant ups and downs.
0:17:27 > 0:17:28This is a world-first,
0:17:28 > 0:17:31and I think yesterday we were really, really feeling that.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35But today's day two of the sea test, and I'm just hoping we can do it.
0:17:35 > 0:17:36Bring it on.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41The water feels so much calmer than yesterday
0:17:41 > 0:17:43and, for the very first time,
0:17:43 > 0:17:45I start to cover some distance on the sea.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50Lindsey, that's great.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53You're actually controlling the steerage now.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55I'm now able to use my power
0:17:55 > 0:17:58to keep myself facing in the same direction,
0:17:58 > 0:18:00and I'm moving at an OK speed.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03Doing good, Lindsey. Best run yet.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06But there's a big problem.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08I am utterly exhausted.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10My arms are burning and my knee is hurting again,
0:18:10 > 0:18:14and whilst I've done better than on day one, it's not enough.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23'I've got nothing left.'
0:18:23 > 0:18:26TEARFULLY: Every step is such an effort.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31I just don't get how I'm meant to be in that for, like, ten-plus hours.
0:18:31 > 0:18:32It's scaring me.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41But I've come this far and I'm not ready to give up yet.
0:18:41 > 0:18:46I've got the best team around me and I've been training for months.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49I'm going to give this everything I've got for Sport Relief.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51It's time to take on the sea.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Can I become the wave runner?
0:18:57 > 0:19:00So I am finally here in Donaghadee in Northern Ireland.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03Pretty nervous. Tomorrow is the biggest challenge of my life.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07There's loads still left to do. Got to get the machine up.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10But I guess all that's left to say is, let's do this.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12As our engineers start preparations,
0:19:12 > 0:19:15I meet up with my mentor, Professor Greg Whyte.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- So, how are you feeling, mate? - I'm really, really scared.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24It sounds obvious, but I just feel terrified.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27What you've got to do now is get that mental self ready.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- I've hit walls before with Blue Peter challenges.- Yeah.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33But all I remember is that feeling of, "I cannot go on."
0:19:33 > 0:19:35What you want to do is draw on that experience.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37The fact is that you know you get to that point
0:19:37 > 0:19:40in the Patrouille des Glaciers, when you were doing that race,
0:19:40 > 0:19:42and you thought, "I cannot go on," and yet you did.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44In the marathon, when you think,
0:19:44 > 0:19:46"I can't go on, I can't keep going," but you did.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48You know that if you keep pushing,
0:19:48 > 0:19:50you will be able to make it.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52SHE SIGHS I want you to do it, Greg!
0:19:52 > 0:19:54I'll be watching.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00The team gathers to finalise tomorrow's route across the sea.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02I can't travel in a straight line,
0:20:02 > 0:20:04so starting in Donaghadee,
0:20:04 > 0:20:05I'll head south-east
0:20:05 > 0:20:07to the centre of the channel.
0:20:07 > 0:20:08Then, when the tide turns,
0:20:08 > 0:20:11I'll travel north-east towards Portpatrick.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14It's an estimated 28 miles.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16So it's time for bed.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Tomorrow is the biggest day of my life.
0:20:23 > 0:20:24This is it.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26My wave runner team have done their job
0:20:26 > 0:20:28and now it's time for me to do mine.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38'Welcome to my home for this challenge.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40'Finally it's time to get started.'
0:20:40 > 0:20:42Here we go.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48Despite the fact it's dark, conditions are perfect.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51There's not a breath of wind in the air
0:20:51 > 0:20:54and I can feel myself really pushing through the water.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- How are you feeling? - Yeah, I'm OK. I'm calm.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Brilliant, Lindsey. Fantastic!
0:21:01 > 0:21:03I'm feeling really strong.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05She is absolutely flying.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09I manage to cover two and a half miles in my first hour,
0:21:09 > 0:21:10and as the sun rises,
0:21:10 > 0:21:13the world wakes up to my wave runner challenge.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16Blue Peter presenter Lindsey Russell is planning to make the journey
0:21:16 > 0:21:18in nothing more than an inflatable ball.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20She's Zorbing across the Irish channel.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22Follow Lindsey's progress at bbc.co.uk.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25Thank you, and pass on our best wishes to Lindsey.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31For the next hour, I managed to ride the tide
0:21:31 > 0:21:34and force myself out into the Irish Sea.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37I've now covered four miles and I'm starting to find my rhythm.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39Ooh.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43And all that hard work is already paying off,
0:21:43 > 0:21:47as I'm treated to the most stunning sunrise I've ever seen.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52This is beautiful.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58But it doesn't last long. I've still got a lot of work to do.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02Every hour, I stop to take on fuel,
0:22:02 > 0:22:06which also gives Greg a chance to check on my health.
0:22:06 > 0:22:07Course is good, pace is good.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10You're just having to work that little bit harder to keep it.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12That's the difference, mate.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15'But everything that goes in has to come out.'
0:22:15 > 0:22:17So, I've done a wee in my wet suit.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20'OK, too much information.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23'After four hours, I've gone eight miles.
0:22:23 > 0:22:24'But we have a problem.'
0:22:28 > 0:22:32It feels like I'm in a balloon that's gone down a little bit.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35What it looks like is, actually, the Zorb's deflating.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37'If the ball keeps losing air,
0:22:37 > 0:22:40'it could put the whole challenge at risk.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43'Our only option is to inflate the ball at sea.'
0:22:43 > 0:22:45That's it. Better.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47'Thankfully, it works.'
0:22:50 > 0:22:52I'm now in my fifth hour.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55It's by far the longest time I've ever been in this ball,
0:22:55 > 0:22:57and I'm really starting to ache.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59But I keep remembering why I'm doing this.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01It's all for Sport Relief.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06Money that's raised by Sport Relief helps fund charities like Jigsaw.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08They run loads of sports sessions
0:23:08 > 0:23:11especially for people with disabilities...
0:23:11 > 0:23:12Oh!
0:23:12 > 0:23:16..to help them get active and make friends.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18This is, like,
0:23:18 > 0:23:20a good chance to come and play some sport
0:23:20 > 0:23:21in a friendly environment.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Coming here is really important,
0:23:23 > 0:23:26because it gives me a chance to get out with people my own age.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28The staff here at Jigsaw
0:23:28 > 0:23:31provide a really safe and fun environment
0:23:31 > 0:23:33for all of these swimmers.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35It's really good fun.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37It gets us out, being independent.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39It makes us very healthy and fit.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43This is just one of the ways the money you raise
0:23:43 > 0:23:46can make a real difference to people's lives.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49So do your bit and get involved with Sport Relief.
0:23:51 > 0:23:56Well, she's six and a half hours in, so it's about 13 miles done.
0:23:56 > 0:23:5924,000 uphill steps.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03This is where she starts to question whether she can make it not.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07So she's done a lot, but she's got an awful long way to go.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10'The conditions have changed since this morning.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12'The wind and waves are much stronger
0:24:12 > 0:24:14'and I'm struggling to keep my balance.'
0:24:14 > 0:24:16It's just pushing me over.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18It's pushing me to the left.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Argh!
0:24:22 > 0:24:25'This is so tough, but I've got to keep trying.'
0:24:29 > 0:24:3315 miles in and I've reached a critical moment in my journey.
0:24:33 > 0:24:34The tide is turning
0:24:34 > 0:24:38and should start pushing me towards my destination of Portpatrick.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42But over the next hour, the wind increases
0:24:42 > 0:24:44and the waves just get higher.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48It's taking all my strength to stay upright.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52Argh! 'I'm so frustrated.
0:24:52 > 0:24:57'I know I have to beat these conditions to stay on track.'
0:24:57 > 0:24:59It is too slippy!
0:24:59 > 0:25:03'After 16 miles, Greg calls me in for a crisis talk.'
0:25:03 > 0:25:06Your pace has been amazing from the start to this point.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10But the problem is that those tides are just really quick today.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13And with the combination of that and the wind,
0:25:13 > 0:25:15it's just pushing you in the wrong direction.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18This is tough. Really, really, really tough.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20- OK?- Are we just not going anywhere?
0:25:20 > 0:25:22We are, but we're going in the wrong direction.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25We're not going where we want to go. OK?
0:25:25 > 0:25:27This has got nothing to do with you.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29There's not many people as brave as you, let me tell you that.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31MUSIC: Help Me by Johnny Cash
0:25:34 > 0:25:36'I'm running out of time,
0:25:36 > 0:25:39'but I'm determined to get back on course.'
0:25:43 > 0:25:45Ah!
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Pushing me round.
0:25:47 > 0:25:48The extra effort is agony.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54And the waves are impossible.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02I manage one more mile...
0:26:04 > 0:26:06..then I hear the words I'm dreading.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Greg tells me to stop.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15Come on, let's get you out. Let's get you out of there.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17Are you sure we can't just keep trying?
0:26:17 > 0:26:21Mate, the tide simply won't let you get to shore. That's the problem.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24It fundamentally becomes too dangerous to be out here.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27I can't believe it's over.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30I've been at sea for nine hours, but I have to accept
0:26:30 > 0:26:33that I can't make it to Scotland against the tide.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35I'm devastated.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41I did manage to walk 17 miles across the Irish Sea.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43But it just wasn't enough.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48As we head into Portpatrick, I'm feeling gutted.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51But then everything changes when I see a crowd.
0:26:51 > 0:26:52CHEERING
0:26:53 > 0:26:55- CROWD:- Well done, Lindsey.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59The town has come to show their support and cheer me in.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01And right at the front is my dad.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06Well done, you. So proud of you.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09'This means the world to me.'
0:27:09 > 0:27:11- Thank you so much for coming. - Well done.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13Thank you, thank you, thank you.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17This has been the toughest challenge of my life.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19Argh!
0:27:19 > 0:27:21And in the end, although I didn't quite make it,
0:27:21 > 0:27:26I'm so proud that I never...ever gave up.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29I hope it's inspired you to get involved for Sport Relief
0:27:29 > 0:27:32and, most importantly, I hope it's shown you
0:27:32 > 0:27:33it's just about having a go.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36It doesn't matter how you get to the finish line. Just have a go.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39SHE SIGHS I need a hot bath.