Tom Daley finally completes gruelling four-day challenge for Comic Relief

Tom Daley OBE has completed his gruelling four-day “Hell of a Homecoming” challenge to raise money for Comic Relief.

The Olympic diver rowed, open water swam, cycled and ran a total of 290 miles from London to Plymouth, across four days.

Tom completed a six mile row, 1,600m open water swim, 253 mile cycle and then a 30 mile ultramarathon to finish.

Tom Daley took part in a 1600 metre open water swim.

He finally finished the expedition at Plymouth Hoe yesterday (17 February), where hundreds of supporters were waiting at the finish line to celebrate his success.

After crossing the finish line, Tom said he couldn't believe he'd made it and was "exhausted", with the challenge having been "the hardest four days of [his] life."

Tom Daley finally crosses the finish line of his Hell of a Homecoming challenge for charity.

“If you can, please donate what you can to Red Nose Day because it would make a world of difference to so many families all across the country," he said.

Among those there to congratulate him in Plymouth were his mum, Debbie, and comedian Eddie Izzard, who ran alongside Tom for a portion of his journey. The comedian has completed a number of marathon challenges for charity in the past, such as running 32 marathons in 31 days.

Tom Daley was joined by Eddie Izzard during the ultramarathon leg of his journey.

Tom kicked off his own challenge at 7am on Monday (14 February), beginning with the rowing part of his journey.

The row began at the Aquatics Centre in Stratford, London, which is a sentimental location for the athlete. Not only is it the place he won his first Olympic medal, but it is also where his late father’s ashes were laid to rest, at the foot of the diving board.

Tom Daley’s Hell of a Homecoming challenge saw him row, run, cycle and swim across four days for charity.

There to wave Tom off at the start of his expedition were Davina McCall (who is no stranger to Comic Relief challenges herself), and Tom’s diving partner, Matty Lee.

Reflecting on her own challenges in the past, Davina said, in a release, “Tom is in for a very tough four days ahead, especially with the challenging winds and weather conditions.”

“Even when you think you have nothing left, mentally or physically, there is always a little bit more to give,” she added.

Davina McCall turned up to offer her support and see Tom Daley off at the start of his gruelling challenge.

Matty wished his fellow Olympian “the best of luck” and said he was, “so proud of the amazing challenge [Tom is] undertaking.” Matty added that he hopes “the great British public get behind him and offer their support in the same way they did with us in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.”

Tom Daley set off rowing down the Thames as part of his Hell of a Homecoming charity challenge.

In an interview aired on Radio 4’s Today programme this morning, Tom revealed he would be spending half an hour to an hour each day of the challenge crocheting red roses to give out to spectators.

Tom explained that crafting helps him to relax his mind and recharge between strenuous activities. He also revealed he had already made 25 noses ahead of the event.

Tom Daley’s journey is being filmed for a primetime documentary which will air on BBC One and iPlayer next month.

You can support Tom and find out more on his dedicated page on the Comic Relief website.