The experience was incredible Last November, 18-year-old Erin helped pedal a rickshaw 470 miles from Lands End to Londons East End to raise funds for BBC Children in Need. So, how was it? he start line At t i was quite sporty when I was younger, and so when BBC Children in Need visited Arthritis Care Scotlands Joint Potential project to see how its grant was being used, they asked if Id be interested in taking part in the Rickshaw Challenge. Six months later, I got a call. I was so excited. I was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) when I was seven. It is quite aggressive, and it would be easier to say where I dont have it rather than where I do. When people see you in the street on crutches, they dont believe you have arthritis. I wanted to take part in the challenge to raise awareness of Arthritis Care Scotlands work. The whole experience was incredible. I met some amazing people, and the team worked well together. It was physically challenging, and hilly at the start. Every time I got on the rickshaw, torrential rain would start it became a joke that Id brought the Scottish weather with me! We had some 4am starts and late nights too, as we did a live link every evening for BBC TVs The One Show. That was so enjoyable not everyone gets the chance to go on national television! The campaign raised more than 4m none of us expected that. We thought it would maybe raise 500,000! The public were so supportive during the challenge, too. They were on the streets at 4am cheering us on. Wed go past a school and they would all wave, it really helped keep us going. Id feel tired and then Id see all the support, which made me cycle faster! I would recommend the challenge to anyone in fact, Id say grab it with both hands. Volunteering is important. Ive benefited hugely from other volunteers, and I wanted to give something back. Its not just about helping others, because you also grow as a person and see others grow, too. It makes you more confident, and is so rewarding. The Rickshaw Challenge was one of the best experiences of my life. I bonded with some amazing people, told my story, and got the chance to give something back to Arthritis Care Scotland. children in needs rickshaw challenge 2015 passes through devon Erin in the hot seat