The Morning Live presenters laced up their retro roller boots and took on an epic challenge on wheels to raise money for Red Nose Day

Helen Skelton comforts Gethin Jones on BBC Morning Live(Image: BBC)

Helen Skelton was left comforting an emotional Gethin Jones as they officially finished their challenge for Comic Relief after 24 hours.

The Morning Live presenters laced up their retro roller boots and took on an epic challenge on wheels to raise money for Red Nose Day, which officially falls on Friday (March 21).

Gethin and Helen’s Wheely Big Challenge started on Thursday morning (March 20) during Morning Live, with the pair taking on the relentless roller-skating endurance test to encourage people to donate to raise vital funds for Comic Relief-funded partners in the UK and around the world.

They were seen continuously roller-skating throughout the day and night with some special guests and extra challenges along the way before they were finally able to stop during the last Morning Live of the week.

They finished at 10am and spoke to Sara Cox and Kimberley Walsh after making their way from the roller rink to the Morning Live studio.

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Still in their 80s-inspired lycra suits, bomber jackets and leg warmers, the pair were finally giving their feet a rest when Gethin admitted: “I was really relieved at the end because within an hour and 20 to go, when I had that fall, it was so weird. I just went and got a drink and lost my concentration basically and it really hurt.”

Speaking of his existing pain which didn’t help during the challenge, the presenter added: “I’ve had a bulging disc problem for a while and anyone who’s had that will know you can’t actually move.”

Gethin became emotional after the challenge(Image: BBC)

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Getting emotional, Gethin went on: “Actually three hours in I felt it go and I was so worried that I might have to stop at that point. I just didn’t want to fail and I wanted to do it together and then it became really hard.

“It was really painful… Sorry, it’s a bit emotional but I did this two years ago and I’ve seen where the money goes, the lives it changes.” Turning to Helen he said: “You were amazing, you were incredible. She was just getting me through.”

But Helen, who had been emotional during the challenge as she was surprised by her three young children, quickly comforted him as she took his arm and said: “It’s a team, it’s a big team.”

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As the finished up their chat, Helen and Gethin were informed that they had so far raised more than £800,000, to which Gethin said: “Morning Live viewers, you’re amazing, you always give so much.”

In seperate statements following the challenge, Gethin said: “The total as it stands is £890,000. It’s been another ridiculous, brutal, exhausting, exhilarating, emotional experience and I think when people watch where the money goes to, it really hits people hard, and I’ll never underestimate or not appreciate the fact that times are hard but people still donated.

“To raise that money is fantastic and it’s such a privilege to do it on behalf of Comic Relief and hopefully we can change lives and maybe even save lives.”

Helen added: “I feel dizzy from going around in a circle in a windowless room for 24 hours! But so overwhelmed from people joining in. Times are tough for people, so any donation is so overwhelming and we are very grateful.”