BBC Radio 2 presenter Paddy McGuinness is set to complete an extraordinary Children In Need fundraising challenge, cycling 300 miles on a Chopper bike from Wrexham to Glasgow. The 51-year-old former Top Gear host has already raised nearly £5.9 million during his five-day journey.
Speaking on Thursday, McGuinness described himself as “in bits physically and emotionally” but expressed gratitude for the overwhelming public support. He will discover the final fundraising total during the televised Children in Need appeal on Friday evening at 19:00 GMT on BBC One.
The challenge has attracted significant attention and support from celebrities. Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy joined McGuinness on Thursday, while his Phoenix Nights co-star Peter Kay offered humorous encouragement, telling him to “get across that finishing line and get yourself a nice garlic bread.”
Scottish businessman Sir Tom Hunter has pledged to double any donations made from Wednesday onwards, up to a £3 million limit, which is expected to significantly boost the fundraising total.
McGuinness was motivated by the people he’s met who have benefited from BBC Children in Need projects. “When you meet these people… that’s what spurs you on,” he explained, highlighting the charity’s important work.
This isn’t the first remarkable fundraising effort by a BBC Radio 2 presenter. Last year, Vernon Kay raised over £5 million by running 116 miles from Leicester to Bolton.
The Children in Need charity has a remarkable history, having raised more than £1 billion for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK since its first major appeal in 1980.
Friday’s live show promises to be an entertainment extravaganza, hosted by Ade Adepitan, Chris Ramsey, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Mel Giedroyc, and Lenny Rush. The three-hour event will feature multiple highlights, including:
– A new version of Girls Aloud’s “I’ll Stand By You”, featuring the late Sarah Harding’s lead vocal
– A preview of the Doctor Who Christmas Special introduced by Ncuti Gatwa
– A performance by singer Ella Henderson
– A special message from Kylie Minogue
– A visit from Gladiators stars
– A Strictly Come Dancing performance featuring the professionals and TV character Bluey
– A CBeebies bedtime story read by Gary Oldman
The charity event will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, continuing its tradition of bringing entertainment and fundraising together to support children in need across the United Kingdom.
McGuinness’s grueling cycling challenge represents another inspiring example of how individual effort can make a significant difference in supporting charitable causes.
