Watch as Jill Scott to take on epic 388 mile challenge from Wembley to Stadium of Light for Sport Relief

Sunderland legend Jill Scoot takes on home town challenge to help those in need

Sunderland football legend and Euros winning Lioness Jill Scott is set to take on an epic 388 mile challenge finishing in her home town city to raise vital finds for Sport Relief.

The charity uses the power of sport to support vulnerable and disadvantaged people both in the UK and across the globe.

Jill Scott is taking on a 388 mile challenge for Sport Relief, finishing at the Stadium of Light.placeholder image
Jill Scott is taking on a 388 mile challenge for Sport Relief, finishing at the Stadium of Light. | Madeleine Penfold/Comic Relief

Starting on Monday June 8, the five day gruelling challenge will see Jill cover the distance by both cycling and running to arrive at the Stadium of Light on Friday June 11, the home of her home town club, Sunderland AFC, where her career began.

The challenge will see Jill revisit the football clubs, stadiums and people that helped shape her journey.

Jill, who won 161 caps for England, said: “This challenge means so much to me because my journey started long before my days at Wembley. It started with people believing in me, supporting me and giving me opportunities when I needed them most. One thing football taught me is that you never get through difficult moments alone.

“When things get tough, it’s the people around you who carry you through, and that’s exactly what this challenge is about.”

Jill spins into action with a 112-mile cycle from Wembley to Villa Park, followed by a punishing 99-mile ride to Everton on Day 2.

Jill will be running and cycling the 388 mile distance.placeholder image
Jill will be running and cycling the 388 mile distance. | Sport Relief

On the third day, she swaps her bike for running shoes to tackle a gruelling 38-mile ultramarathon into Manchester. Thursday sees a 111-mile cycling stage into the North-East with Jill’s homecoming completed on Friday when she aims to cross the finish line at the Stadium of Light following a 28-mile marathon finale.

Jill added: “I honestly think this is going to push me further than anything I ever did in football. I’ve got a dodgy knee, and a few niggly old injuries which I need to look after, but I'm determined not to let that hold me back.

“It’s nerve wracking when I look at some of these distances, running marathons and cycling hundreds of miles back-to-back. Just like throughout my career, I know I'm going to need a community behind me to get me across that finish line.”

At least half the funds raised will fund Sport for Change projects in local communities – including initiatives that use football, running, cycling and boxing to create safe spaces for people young and old, bringing them together and providing safety and security when it’s needed most – with remaining funds invested in Comic Relief's wider work.

Jill said: “If people can get behind me, donate, and cheer me on, we can do something much bigger than just getting me across a finish line.

“My dodgy knees and niggly injuries are nothing compared to what so many people are going through.

“Together with Sport Relief, we can help people through the toughest times - and show everyone that no matter how hard things get, no one has to face it alone.”

Samir Patel, CEO of Comic Relief, added: “What Jill is attempting over these five days is truly extraordinary.

“This is set to be a massive national moment, and we can’t wait to watch the public rally behind one of our finest sporting heroes on the toughest journey of her life.

“Jill’s home-coming challenge is about far more than just physical endurance. It’s about recognising the communities, support systems, and safe spaces that shape people’s lives and futures.

“The money Jill raises will fund vital projects that provide a lifeline, helping people feel safe, supported and secure.”

You can track Jill’s progress and donate to her cause via the comic relief website.

News you can trust since 1873
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice