Gallery - Children in Need's Team Rickshaw visits Prestwood in triumphant homecoming

Alex Webb, 20, who suffers from Xeroderma Pigmentosum, a rare life-threatening condition that causes hypersensitivity to ultra-violet light is taking part in the challenge which is being tracked on the BBC’s The One Show.

Team Rickshaw is made up of five young people, who have each been supported by projects funded by the BBC Children in Need appeal. They are powering the rickshaw for more than 450 miles across England.

Host Matt Baker, who has been making the journey with the team, introduced the broadcast from outside Alex’s own home in Strawberry Close, where crowds had gathered to welcome the intrepid Team Rickshaw member home.

The team’s latest stint had begun at 2am that morning in Coventry. They had since cycled through Silverstone and to last night’s destination in Prestwood.

Speaking to Matt Baker on the live broadcast just before Alex’s arrival, Sandra Webb proudly said: “He’s not my boy anymore, he’s turned into a real young man, and last night I just felt that he’s changed and this challenge has done so much for him.”

As Alex arrived to triumphant applause, he hugged his parents and, while greeting the crowd, told Matt: “It feels brilliant being home, it’s nice to see everyone I know.”

A special treat lay in store for him, though, when the Pixie Lott fan found out the singer and Strictly Come Dancing contestant had visited his home earlier in the day, and had tea with his mum.

She even left him a personalised scarf as a gift.

Her specially recorded rendition of Caravan of Love was then played on an outdoor cinema screen in the street.

Alex has to wear protective clothing to go out in the day, and has donned a custom made visor which he is using on the rickshaw.

He was diagnosed with the condition at the age of four after suffering from severe sunburns, which began just weeks after he was born. His family were told that, unless Alex stayed indoors he was unlikely to reach the age of 30 – they were, however, determined to do everything possible to help him live as normal a life as possible.

His family then founded the XP Support group, which began running regular Owl Patrol events in Frieth for other families with the rare condition. Many families have come from overseas so their children can take part in the weekend camps, which allow children to play outdoors at night – a time when they can safely do so. Some of the funding for the project has come from the Children in Need appeal.

Managing his condition means Alex must be constantly protected from UV light during daylight hours – whether through clothing, sun protection creams or even special filters which can be applied to windows. His family has even collaborated with the European Space Agency in the development of protective clothing.

And now the charity has been helping children with XP across the world in countries such as South Africa and the US, with Mrs Webb travelling overseas to advise other families and groups.

Because of his condition, Alex had not learnt to ride a bike until this year.

He said: "'Cycling through my hometown was great and arriving home to see my family greet me really felt like I was really on the home straight to the finish line.

"The support from local people out on the streets throughout the challenge has been amazing and really helped spur us all on."

Team Rickshaw’s epic 450 mile journey, which started in Manchester, should draw to a close tonight as they arrive at the EastEnders set during the televised TV appeal.

To give £5 to Team Rickshaw’s BBC Children in Need appeal text TEAM to 70705, to give £10, text TEAM to 70710.