BBC Radio 2 presenter Paddy McGuinness is gearing up for an epic challenge to raise money for Children in Need’s 2024 Appeal. The comedian and host of popular shows like Take Me Out and Top Gear will be embarking on an Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge, covering almost 300 miles through three nations and eight counties.
Starting on Monday 11 November in Wrexham, McGuinness will pedal through Flintshire, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire, Westmorland, Cumberland, Dumfriesshire, and Lanarkshire, with the goal of finishing in Glasgow on the morning of Friday 15 November. What makes this challenge even more unique is that McGuinness will be riding a customised and modified Raleigh Chopper, a nostalgic throwback to the popular children’s bike from the 1970s.
The 51-year-old presenter expressed his excitement for the challenge, stating, “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 pedalling to raise as much money as possible for the charity.” McGuinness even joked, “‘No likey, no bikey’ just isn’t an option,” putting a spin on his famous Take Me Out catchphrase.
McGuinness follows in the footsteps of his Radio 2 colleague Vernon Kay, who raised an impressive £6m for Children in Need last year with his ultra-marathon from Leicester to Bolton. Kay expressed his support for McGuinness, saying, “I and the rest of our Radio 2 buddies will be supporting him every pedal of the way, especially up all those hills – ouch!”
Children in Need is a vital charity that helps improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. The BBC Children in Need’s televised appeal will take place on 15 November on BBC One, where viewers can support McGuinness and other fundraisers in their efforts to make a difference.
