Chelsee Healey is overcome with emotion as she joins a group of children on arduous school walk during Comic Relief Challenge

She embarked on the biggest challenge of her life just two days ago alongside Dara O’Briain, Melanie C, Jack Dee, Phillips Idowu and Greg James.
And as the third day of The BT Red Nose Challenge: Hell and High Water got underway Chelsee Healey broke down in tears as she came to terms with the seriousness of her challenge.
The Waterloo Road actress became overwhelmed as she, Jack and Philips accompanied a group of school children on their walk to school.

Heartbreaking: Chelsee Healey began to cry during the third day of the Comic Relief challenge

Of course it was no ordinary walk to school for the children aged between seven to 18.

 

With no breakfast to keep them going they must embark on an arduous two hour walk from their village to their school.
Although the children were happy to be walking to school – and even sung a song and their national anthem to welcome them – the team are becoming more and more aware of just how serious this challenge is as they met those who could really benefit from their hard work.

Emotional: The actress accompanied a group of school children on their two hour walk to school

Hard work: Chelsea was amazed that the children had to walk so far just to get to school

Speaking about the walk Phillips said: ‘It’s back-breaking stuff. Before I got even half way my back was killing me! We were surrounded by woodland on both sides and the ground was really unstable; we were even walking over parts that become streams and rivers in the rainy season.

‘These kids have to do this every day, two hours there and two hours back; that’s a drive from Birmingham to London every day. Some of these kids they can’t even eat breakfast before they do this, and we decided to do the same.’
 
He went on to say: ‘I have a son and a daughter, and when I looked at every single one of these kids it was like looking at your own child. 

Understanding: Jack Dee accompanied Chelsee and the school kids on their walk giving them an idea of where the money raised would go

Serious: Although Jack is known for being a comedian he didn't look in the mood to crack any jokes during the walk

‘I thought how I would feel if that was the lifestyle my kids had to live. But these are the lucky ones – there are plenty of kids out there who can’t even get to school at all!
‘And when you ask them what they want to do, they’re all such unselfish jobs – they want to be teachers nurses, police;  they want to help the community.’
Whilst Jack, Phillips and Chelsee trekked to the school, the rest of the team, Greg, Mel and Dara, stayed in the village to understand more about why the other children can’t get there.

Getting to know you: Jack spent time chatting to some of the children during the two hour walk

Greg said: ‘Today it all made a bit more sense. When we were sitting in the village this morning, the thing that struck me was the amount of kids surrounding us who are just desperate to go to school. 
‘The kids I’ve met today have got nothing, relatively nothing in their lives, and all they want to do is learn stuff, and it made me feel incredibly guilty for all those times I’ve taken my life for granted. 
‘If you’ve ever had that same feeling, if you’re feeling guilty right now then do them a favour, and do Comic Relief a favour and donate. You’ll be changing someone’s life, seriously.’

Showing his skills: Phillips Idowu demonstrated the triple jump as the team visited Siandunda Village then the Mandia School

In awe: The Olympian managed to keep the children's attention with his impressive performance

Despite a heart-wrenching morning, the team are now back on the water, pushing themselves to the limit as they travel 111km down the deadly Zambezi river, battling torrential downpours and negotiating rapids officially known as Gnashing Jaws of Death, The Washing Machine and Oblivion as they make their way beyond the world’s largest waterfall – Victoria Falls.  
Along the way they’re likely to encounter some of the world’s most dangerous and frightening creatures, like crocodiles, lethal snakes and one of the most deadly – hippos.
By night there will be none of the five star luxury they’re used to, as they’ll be camping on treacherous cliff tops and damp, soggy riverbanks.

Overcome: Phillips couldn't help but cry as he got to grips with the situation

And as if that wasn’t enough, they’re also likely to suffer nasty blisters, intense aching limbs and sweltering 30-degree heat, as they spend each day covering up to 29km on the river. 
On Tuesday the team discovered just how though things could get when Dara was left clinging to a tree for survival for nearly an hour after taking a wrong turn on the rapids. 
The team are putting themselves through hell and high water in the hope of raising £1 million to help children in Zambia go to school.
To help the stars raise cash, sponsor them now at rednoseday.com/zambezi

Speaking about the walk, Philips said: 'Before I got even half way my back was killing me!'