Jill Scott pedalling on in homecoming stretch

Former Lioness Jill Scott is due to arrive in her home region in the penultimate leg of her Sport Relief challenge.

She is aiming to cycle and run 388 miles (624km) from Wembley Stadium - the site of her historic 2022 Euros win - to her home town club at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on Friday.

Scott battled through wind and constant torrential rain in her toughest leg yet, but said she "was from Sunderland so was used to it". She is due to arrive in Bishop Auckland later.

She said she may "have to crawl over the finish line" in Sunderland in her final marathon leg of 28-mile (45 km).

Scott has stopped along the way at football stadiums and community hubs that have been a part of her life and career, which have included Aston Villa, Everton, Man City and grassroots community team Bishop Auckland FC Ladies.

She said she was "100% committed" to finishing the charity challenge because she wanted to "make a difference" to people's lives.

Scott said the support had been "amazing" and the "last few days will live long in the memory".

On the difficulties of the challenge, said she had stopped for a toilet break, but "actually got stuck and could not get up" adding that her legs "wouldn't get up".

She said her "body was a bit broken now" but added she just "had to get through this and keep on going".

"I just keep reminding myself that we're out here raising money for Sport Relief," she added.

You can find out more about Scott's challenge on the Sport Relief 2026 website.

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.