Jill Scott ‘in a lot of pain’ after finishing mammoth challenge

The Sunderland-born midfielder arrived back on Wearside this afternoon to be met by family, friends and fans after a final 28-mile run into the city on the last leg of her fundraising journey.

The challenge began on Monday at Wembley, the scene of England’s Euro 2022 triumph, and took Jill through a series of landmark football grounds.

She alternated long-distance cycling and running each day, including a 112-mile ride to Villa Park, another 99-mile leg towards Merseyside, a 38-mile run between Liverpool and Manchester, and a punishing 111-mile “Tour de France-style” ride into the North East before today’s marathon-plus finale – even stopping all along the course’s length to dish out high fives and selfies to her supporters.

Former Lioness Jill Scott arrives at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. (Image: SCOTT HEPPELL/PA)

Speaking after crossing the line in Sunderland, Jill told the BBC it had been “community and support” that had got her through the five days.

She admitted she was “in a lot of pain”, describing how her legs were numb, her blisters had all burst and even her ribs were hurting after the final run into the Stadium of Light.

People line the streets of Sunderland this Friday afternoon to cheer on legendary Lioness Jill Scott MBE. (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)

But she said the money raised was her way of giving back, calling the challenge an attempt to support the next generation and the projects Sport Relief funds.

Jill Scott arrives at the Stadium of Light. (Image: SCOTT HEPPELL/PA)

The Northern Echo has followed Jill’s progress through the region over the past 36 hours, as she arrived into County Durham on the penultimate day of the challenge.

People line the streets of Sunderland this Friday afternoon to cheer on legendary Lioness Jill Scott MBE. (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)

On Thursday night she reached Bishop Auckland more than four hours behind schedule after her 111-mile ride, battling strong winds and heavy rain on what she described as the toughest stretch so far, but was still welcomed by crowds who turned out to cheer her through the Market Place.

People were urged to line the route as she set off again this morning, heading through West Auckland, Bishop Auckland, Spennymoor, Durham and Houghton-le-Spring before dropping into Sunderland for her Stadium of Light finish.

Jill, who grew up in Sunderland and started her senior career with her hometown club, said finishing on Wearside had always been central to the challenge.