BBC Radio 2 presenter Paddy McGuinness is set to embark on a nearly 300-mile cycling challenge to raise funds for the 2024 Children in Need Appeal. The Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge will take place in November, as McGuinness cycles through three nations and eight counties.
The journey kicks off on Monday, November 11, in Wrexham, where he will navigate through Flintshire, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire, Westmorland, Cumberland, Dumfriesshire, and Lanarkshire, ultimately aiming to reach Glasgow by the morning of Friday, November 15.
The presenter, known for hosting the Sunday lunchtime program on Radio 2, will ride a customized Raleigh Chopper, a bike that became popular among children in the 1970s.
Reflecting on the challenge, the 51-year-old broadcaster shared, “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.” He humorously added, “‘No likey, no bikey’ just isn’t an option,” reworking his famous Take Me Out catchphrase.
Since joining Radio 2 in April 2024, McGuinness has become a familiar face, also known for his roles on shows like Take Me Out, Top Gear, and Question of Sport.
Last year, fellow Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay raised over £6 million for the charity by completing an ultra-marathon from Leicester to Bolton a distance of 116 miles over four days. Kay expressed his support for McGuinness, stating, “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 the BBC’s charity dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. The annual televised appeal for BBC Children in Need is scheduled for November 15 on BBC One.
