Dara O'Briain puts his oar in for Comic Relief

Dara O'Briain puts his oar in for Comic Relief

22 January, 2013
by: Spoonfedcomedy

Dara O’Briain tackles white water rapids for Comic Relief. 

Many comedians go to great lengths in order to help raise money and awareness for Comic Relief, but few will go as far as the 68 waterlogged miles Dara O’Briain plans to go this year. Joined by actress Chelsee Healey and Radio 1’s Greg James, the Mock the Week host will brave huge rapids and all manner of wildlife as they traverse the Zambezi River.

Also included in this intrepid group of comics, celebs and sports personalities are Jack Dee, former Sporty Spice, Mel C and triple jumper Philips Idowu. The team’s perilous journey across Africa’s fourth largest river will last five days and will involve a back-breaking eight hours of paddling each day.

As part of the BT Red Nose Challenge: Hell and High Water, they will shun luxury accommodation en route and will instead be camping on cliff tops and river banks. Though, they will be accompanied by armed guards who’ll be protecting them from the wild life as they nurse their aching bones and blistered feet.

In preparation for their task, the group have already begun training at the Lee Valley White Water Centre, which was used as a canoeing venue during London 2012.

The journey takes place ahead of this year’s Red Nose Day and it is hoped that it will raise £1 Million pounds for the charity. Mel C, who has taken part in several Comic Relief projects since her charity single with the Spice Girls 1997, has said:

"It's going to be physically and emotionally demanding, but we've all got each other and hopefully we'll be able to get through it."

Dara O’Briain also commented that: "When I was first asked to do this challenge, I did a quick Google search of Zambezi rafting but after the 10th page of people being instantly flung into the water I turned off the computer.

"But lives can be changed if people put their hands in their pockets in exchange for our misery so that sounds like a fair deal."

All those taking part in the challenge can be sponsored at rednoseday.com/Zambezi, with the proceeds of going towards educating children in Zambia.

Spoonfedcomedy