332 mile cycle for Pudsey: I’m worried about the hills, but I know I can do it. I’m used to pain now

Mamma Mia, here we go again as fundraiser Lauren Yule reveals Abba is her musical inspiration for this year’s special anniversary Children In Need.

The 16-year-old will take part in the Rickshaw Challenge this week as the appeal celebrates its landmark 40th edition.

Lauren, from Aberdeen, will join Countryfile presenter Matt Baker and five children cycling 332 miles at Goodwood on Team Rickshaw over the next few days. And she plans to serenade participants with some Swedish pop classics as they embark on their gruelling journey.

“I’m looking forward to cycling alongside Matt Baker. I’m a fan,” said Lauren, who was born with Turner syndrome, bone dysplasia and dwarfism.

“I’m a little worried about the hills, but I know I can do it. I’m OK on the flat parts but my knees hurt on hills. I actually don’t mind a bit of pain. I’m used to it now.

“Singing helps – I’ll maybe try a bit of Abba! Maybe I’ll sing to Matt on the way.”

She was nominated for Team Rickshaw by Music 4 U, a musical charity.

“Music 4 U is mostly centred on singing but there are classes for dance and drama,” said Lauren.

“I love singing. I like Abba, they’re the best. I couldn’t pick a favourite song – they’re all great.”

Lauren has undergone 12 operations to enable her to walk more easily. “I’m used to the operations now. I sort of know what to expect,” she said. “I’m mostly finished and my legs are better now. I’ve had so many operations, I’m always expecting another but I don’t have another one coming up – which is a strange feeling.

“My last one was about two years ago. I had an operation on each leg to reconstruct them.”

Former The One Show host Matt, who has taken part in the challenge every year since 2011, said: “In a year that has been tough for everyone, I am delighted that we can bring the Rickshaw Challenge back.”

Meanwhile, Jackie Bird will present live coverage of Children In Need in Scotland for the 20th year in a row.

“Who would have thought my 20th year would be against the backdrop of a global pandemic which has hit all parts of society hard – not least the charity sector,” said the former Reporting Scotland presenter.

Jackie will front live coverage of the appeal with mascot Pudsey from the BBC’s Pacific Quay studios in Glasgow on Friday from 10pm.