Scott Mills Raises £1 Million in 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge

Scott Mills Raises £1 Million in 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge
BBC Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills has raised more than £1 million for Children in Need after completing a 24-hour treadmill marathon. His “Great Scott TreadMills Challenge” became a national moment, filled with emotion, celebrity support, and unforgettable highlights.
A Gruelling 24-Hour Marathon
Scott Mills walked, jogged, and ran on a treadmill for 24 hours straight, all in support of Children in Need. During the challenge, he even recreated his famous Strictly Come Dancing “crab dance,” entertaining supporters while pushing through the pain.
The challenge began at 08:20 BST on Wednesday morning and ended exactly 24 hours later. Mills crossed the finish line to confetti showers, with the London Contemporary Orchestra playing Chariots of Fire.
Emotional Moments on the Treadmill
Mills became emotional when donations reached £500,000 early Thursday morning. Within two hours, the total had doubled, leaving him stunned.
“I’m in shellshock right now,” he admitted. “I didn’t expect it to be this much money because of how things are at the moment. For that money, I would do it all over again. You are amazing.”
Support From Family and Friends
Throughout the challenge, Mills received encouragement from colleagues and celebrities. Olly Murs, Gemma Collins, Sara Cox, Louis Theroux, Mel C, Tim Vine, Sam Ryder, and Joe Wicks all joined in to lift his spirits.
Even his mum, Sandra, called into Zoe Ball’s Breakfast Show to cheer him on. “It’s hard because you really feel for him,” she said, “but I knew he’d do it. He’s got such determination.”
Celebrity Surprises Along the Way
- Louis Theroux reminded him the challenge was “all in the mind.”
- Sam Ryder rewrote his hit Spaceman into Paceman for the occasion.
- Mel C sang a new version of Spice Up Your Life: “All you need is physiotherapy.”
- Tim Vine cracked walking puns, including: “This Dutchman was wearing inflatable shoes. He went for a run, and he popped his clogs.”
Each moment brought laughs and encouragement, keeping Mills motivated through the toughest hours.
A National Achievement
Despite being “in a world of pain” overnight, Mills sprinted the final 30 seconds, finishing to a wave of applause and love.
“Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought this possible,” he said. “I’m feeling such an outpouring of love. I’m soaking it all up, I love it.”
"Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought this would be possible,” said Mills, who sprinted for the last 30 seconds of his endurance test.
"I’m feeling such an outpouring of love. I’m soaking it all up, I love it."
'All in the mind'
Along the way, the Radio 2 presenter received moral support from friends and colleagues including Olly Murs, Gemma Collins, Sara Cox and Louis Theroux, who had some unique advice on how to survive the challenge.
"I did a story about the porn industry once," he said, "and what they would say was that performance, even in that realm, depends on the mental [state].
"So it's not about your legs, it's about your mind."
Eurovision star Sam Ryder serenaded Mills with a rewritten version of his hit song Spaceman, called Paceman.
Mel C also amended the lyrics of Spice Up Your Life, singing: “All you need is physiotherapy.”
Comedian Tim Vine lifted Mills’ spirits with a collection of walking puns, including: "This Dutchman was wearing inflatable shoes. He went for a run and he popped his clogs."
And sports coach Joe Wicks - who completed his own 24-hour Children In Need challenge in 2020 - stopped by with some words of encouragement.
"When the morning comes and you see the money you've raised, the adrenalin kicks in and you feel so proud of yourself."
Source: BBC News - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news