Paddy McGuinness completes Children in Need challenge on kids’ bike

BBC Radio 2 presenter Paddy McGuinness has successfully completed his ambitious cycling challenge for BBC Children in Need, riding nearly 300 miles from Wales to Scotland on a customized 1970s Raleigh Chopper bike. The 51-year-old, best known for hosting Top Gear and Question of Sport, crossed the finish line in Glasgow on Friday morning, just before 10:30 GMT, after a five-day journey that raised over £7.5 million for the charity.

McGuinness began his journey in Wrexham on Monday, and as he reached the BBC Scotland headquarters, he was met by cheering crowds. “What a sight, what a feeling!” he exclaimed, overwhelmed by the warm welcome and the significance of the moment. “Honestly, I can’t believe it. I came out of East Kilbride, looking at Glasgow, and it was lit up in sunshine. Then, as I came in here, the streets were lined with people. Thank you so much, everybody.”

The TV star was riding a bike named Patch, a modified Raleigh Chopper, which he had ridden for the entire journey. The sight of McGuinness on the retro bike drew attention not only for the physical challenge it represented but also for the funds it raised for Children in Need, which supports disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

McGuinness’s total fundraising figure will continue to grow, thanks to the generosity of Scottish businessman and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter, who pledged to double any donations made from Wednesday onward, up to £3 million. This boost brought the total raised by McGuinness’s challenge to well over £7.5 million, with more donations expected.

The Radio 2 host has said that his motivation for taking on such a challenging feat came from the inspiring people he met during his journey—individuals who have directly benefited from the projects funded by Children in Need. “When you meet these people, that’s what spurs you on,” McGuinness shared. “Seeing the work being done, and people stopping me along the way, that keeps you going.”

Along the way, McGuinness was joined by Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy on Thursday, with both cyclists riding together for a section of the route. The challenge also received messages of support from several high-profile figures, including astronaut Tim Peake, comedian Peter Kay (a fellow Phoenix Nights star), and hundreds of listeners.

McGuinness’s fundraising efforts follow in the footsteps of fellow Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay, who raised more than £6 million for Children in Need last year. Kay completed an ultra-marathon, running from Leicester to Bolton over four days, a distance of 116 miles.

Children in Need, the BBC’s long-running charity, has raised more than £1 billion for various charitable projects since its first major appeal in 1980. The funds are dedicated to supporting children and young people facing disadvantage across the UK.

This year’s BBC Children in Need telethon, which airs live on BBC One starting at 19:00 GMT, promises to be a star-studded affair. The three-hour broadcast will feature a mix of music, comedy, and surprises, with Ade Adepitan, Chris Ramsey, and Rochelle Humes joining Vernon Kay, Mel Giedroyc, and Lenny Rush as hosts.

One of the most anticipated moments of the evening will be the premiere of a new version of I’ll Stand by You by Girls Aloud. The ballad, originally released for Children in Need in 2004, will be re-released as a 20th anniversary tribute, with the lead vocal provided by their late bandmate Sarah Harding. The song topped the UK charts for two weeks when it was first released, and the re-release will once again raise money for the charity. A new music video featuring previously unseen footage of Harding will be aired during the show.

Additional highlights will include a preview of the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas Special, introduced by Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa, and the chance for fans to bid on exclusive Doctor Who memorabilia in a charity auction. The evening will also feature performances by singer Ella Henderson and pop sensation Kylie Minogue, who has recorded a special message for the show.

Other surprises include appearances by the stars of Gladiators, a special performance by the Strictly Come Dancing professionals alongside TV character Bluey, and actor Gary Oldman reading a bedtime story for CBeebies, which will be aired as part of the broadcast.

With the combination of McGuinness’s impressive challenge and the entertainment-packed telethon, this year’s Children in Need appeal is set to be a memorable and impactful event, continuing its long tradition of helping vulnerable children and young people across the UK.