Paddy McGuinness to get on his bike for Children in Need

BBC Radio 2’s Sunday morning host Paddy McGuinness is to take the ultimate endurance ride of his life in aid of Children in Need.

Appearing on Vernon Kay’s show this morning, Paddy revealed his challenge, which will see him cycling through three nations, starting in Wales, travelling through England and finishing in Scotland.

Paddy will start his Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge during the Breakfast Show on Monday 11 November and will pedal almost 300 miles, starting in Wrexham.

It won’t be just any old bike Paddy rides… he will attempt to complete the route on an iconic, BBC Children in Need customised and modified, Raleigh Chopper bike!

He’ll be pedalling through eight counties – Flintshire, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire – including a stop at Preston, where Radio 2 in the Park took place in Moor Park earlier this month – onto Westmorland, Cumberland, Dumfriesshire and Lanarkshire, and he is aiming to finish at on Friday 15 November morning in Glasgow.

Paddy says: “I’ll be cycling from Wrexham to Glasgow. That’s 300 miles, eight counties and three nations. ‘No likey, no bikey’ just isn’t an option!

“As a kid, I didn’t have much and used to be really jealous of my mates riding around on those bikes, so I’m really honoured to support BBC Children in Need by getting peddling to raise as much money as possible for the charity. After seeing Vernon’s incredible efforts last year… no pressure then!”

Vernon Kay, who raised over £6 million last year for BBC Children in Need with his Ultra ULTRA Marathon, says: “I know exactly what Paddy will be going through so I and the rest of our Radio 2 buddies will be supporting him every pedal of the way, especially up all those hills – ouch!”

Simon Antrobus, BBC Children in Need Chief Executive says: “Paddy is taking on an extraordinary challenge which will help benefit the lives of children and young people across the country who are facing significant challenges.

“Right now, the need is greater than ever, but with the support of the public we can continue to lighten the load for hundreds of thousands of children across the UK when they need it most.

“We’re encouraging Radio 2 listeners across the country to support Paddy by taking on their own fundraising challenge too – whether that’s by roller skating or cycling – I look forward to seeing everyone’s efforts!

“A huge thank you to Paddy for taking on this challenge, everyone here at BBC Children in Need wishes him the best of luck!”

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, says: “As with Vernon’s Ultra ULTRA Marathon last year, this is one man attempting to do an extraordinary challenge, not least as he’ll be on a bike which is designed for style not endurance cycling!

“We can only imagine how hard it is going to be for Paddy to cycle from Wales into England then onto Scotland over five days, so I’d like to thank him for agreeing to take on this mammoth challenge.

“I know the amazing Radio 2 listeners will do all they can to support him along the way!”

Paddy’s Ultra Endurance Cycle will be broadcast live on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, with video highlights and further coverage on Radio 2’s social media accounts.

Fellow Radio 2 presenters will give lots of support to Paddy during their shows, along with with messages from listeners. He will also be joined on his journey by a host of surprise guests to help keep him going.

Listeners are also being encouraged to get behind Paddy with their own wheel-based fundraising challenges – you can find out more and sign up at bbc.co.uk/Pudsey.