BBC Radio 2 announces Paddy McGuinness’ UItra Endurance Cycle Challenge for BBC Children in Need

Paddy McGuinness, host of Radio 2’s Sunday morning show (11am-1pm), is gearing up for the ultimate endurance challenge of his life—cycling across three countries. Starting in Wales, Paddy will travel through England and finish in Scotland.

Announced today on Vernon Kay’s Radio 2 show, Paddy will embark on his Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge on Monday, 11th November, during the Breakfast Show. Covering almost 300 miles, his journey begins in Wrexham and takes him through eight counties—Flintshire, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire (with a stop in Preston, the site of this year’s Radio 2 in the Park event), Westmorland, Cumberland, Dumfriesshire, and Lanarkshire—before finishing in Glasgow on the morning of Friday, 15th November. And this won’t be an ordinary bike ride—Paddy will tackle the entire route on a custom-modified BBC Children in Need Raleigh Chopper bike.

Along the way, Paddy will stop in various towns and villages, meeting Radio 2 listeners who will cheer him on as he raises much-needed funds for BBC Children in Need, which currently can only support one in eight organisations requesting help.

Paddy said: “I’ll be cycling from Wrexham to Glasgow—300 miles, eight counties, and three nations. There’s no turning back now! Growing up, I was always envious of my friends with their Chopper bikes, so it’s a huge honour to support BBC Children in Need by riding one for this challenge. After seeing Vernon’s incredible effort last year… no pressure!”

Vernon Kay, who raised over £6 million for BBC Children in Need during his Ultra ULTRA Marathon, added: “I know exactly what Paddy will go through. The whole Radio 2 team will be backing him every step—especially when he’s facing those hills!”

Simon Antrobus, Chief Executive of BBC Children in Need, praised Paddy’s challenge: “Paddy’s ride will make a huge difference for children facing big challenges across the UK. The need has never been greater, but with the public’s support, we can continue helping those who need it most. We’re encouraging listeners to get involved by taking on their own fundraising challenges too—whether it’s roller skating or cycling! Thank you, Paddy, for taking on this challenge—everyone at BBC Children in Need wishes him the best of luck.”

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said: “Like Vernon’s Ultra ULTRA Marathon, Paddy’s challenge is monumental, especially on a Chopper bike! Cycling from Wales, through England, and into Scotland over five days will be tough, but I know our Radio 2 listeners will support him along the way.”

Paddy’s journey will be broadcast live on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, with video highlights on Radio 2’s social media. During the challenge, Radio 2 presenters will offer support with listener messages to keep Paddy motivated. Surprise guests will also join him throughout his ride to boost his spirits.

A BBC TV crew will document Paddy’s progress for a special behind-the-scenes feature set to air on BBC One later in November. It’s being produced by BBC Studios Entertainment.

Listeners are encouraged to take on their own wheel-based fundraising challenges, with the question: “How will you roll?” Whether it’s cycling, roller skating, scootering, or even using a Penny Farthing (Jeremy Vine, perhaps?), everyone is invited to get involved and raise funds for BBC Children in Need. Sign up at bbc.co.uk/Pudsey.

Paddy’s challenge follows in the footsteps of Vernon Kay’s 2022 Ultra ULTRA Marathon, which raised over £6 million. Previous BBC Children in Need Radio 2 challenges have included The Great Scott TreadMills Challenge in 2022 (£1.3 million raised), Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Kitchen Disco Danceathon in 2021 (£1.3 million), Joe Wicks’ 24-Hour PE Challenge in 2020 (£2.5 million), and Rylan’s Great Ka-RY-oke Challenge in 2019 (over £2 million raised).

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