In an exclusive interview, Charlotte Smith revealed she had concerns about her health due to a knee replacement she had before the pandemic. The long-standing presenter spoke about taking part in the Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need and whether her knee replacement would hinder her ability to do the walk.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Charlotte revealed she had concerns about the walk and whether she would participate next year.
She explained: “I mean, I had a new knee, just before the pandemic, so you know it’s getting in, so last year it would have been less ramble more stagger.
“This year, I’m hoping it will be ramble, and by next year it’ll probably be a gentle jog, I’m a bit worried about my fitness, but other than that, I think it’ll be lovely.
“I mean, I’m a big fan of going for a walk, I do all my best talking on walks and my best thinking, so I’m really looking forward to it,” she explained.
This year is Charlotte’s first ramble, to which she exclaimed: “I’m delighted to be part of it because it’s such a brilliant idea, as a way of raising money for children in need.
“Particularly for the country file, anyone watching Countryfile because it’s all your favourite things at once which is being outside, it’s brilliant I’m really pleased to be involved.”
Speaking on where the ramble will take place and who she is paired with, Charlotte added: “I am going to Stonehaven in Scotland, which is just down from Aberdeen on the Northeast Coast.
“I am going to be walking with Ailsa and Finn, who a BBC Children have supported in Need project called ARCHIE, which is child bereavement services.
“I know through friends and family who’ve lost their parents early and who have been really helped by bereavement services.
“I’m really honoured to be involved, and I’m really looking forward to meeting these two, I just hope they’re not too fit, and they’re not going to disappear up a hill, leaving me panting behind.”
Joining Charlotte on the ramble this year is Matt Baker, Ellie Harrison, Tom Heap, Margherita Taylor, and Steve Brown.
Walking through six locations, the presenters will all be joined by young people who the BBC Children have supported in Need funded projects.
The Children in Need ramble is now in its seventh consecutive year will take place in October, with the programme airing on BBC One on October 24.
Due to ongoing circumstances surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, the general public has been encouraged to get involved in their own sponsored rambles to help raise money.
Children in Need has been helping children around the UK since 1927 and raised more than £1,300 for four children’s charities in the first Radio broadcast appeal.
In 2018, the BBC fundraiser raised a total of £1 billion to support children and young people across the UK since 1980.
Countryfile airs Sundays at 7pm on BBC One.
