No likey, no bikey! Paddy McGuinness to begin epic Children in Need challenge in Wrexham

Radio presenter and TV personality Paddy McGuinness is set to take on the ultimate endurance ride of his life by cycling through three nations in aid of BBC Children in Need.

The former Top Gear and Take Me Out host will begin his epic challenge in Wrexham on Monday 11 November.

Paddy McGuinness, who presents on Radio 2 each Sunday morning (11am-1pm), will pedal almost 300 miles as part of his Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge.

The route will take him through eight counties – Flintshire, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire – including a stop at Preston, where Radio 2 in the Park took place in Moor Park earlier this month – onto Westmorland, Cumberland, Dumfriesshire and Lanarkshire, and he is aiming to finish at on Friday 15th November morning in Glasgow.

He’ll be passing through and stopping off at villages and towns along the way to meet as many Radio 2 listeners as possible as they cheer him on and help him to raise much needed funds that will help make life lighter for children across the UK.

The need has never been greater as right now BBC Children in Need is only able to help one in eight of the organisations who ask for money.

Paddy said: “I’ll be cycling from Wrexham to Glasgow. That’s 300 miles, eight counties and three nations. ‘No likey, no bikey’ just isn’t an option!

“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 peddling to raise as much money as possible for the charity.

“After seeing Vernon’s incredible efforts last year… no pressure then!”

Paddy’s Ultra Endurance Cycle will be broadcast live on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, with video highlights and further coverage on Radio 2’s social media accounts.

During the challenge, Radio 2 presenters will be broadcasting their regular shows whilst offering him lots of support, keeping him motivated and spurred on with messages from the listeners.

He will also be joined on his arduous journey by a host of surprise guests to help keep him going.

A BBC TV crew will be following Paddy every pedal of the way for a behind-the-scenes documentary about his challenge featuring exclusive footage to be broadcast on BBC One later in November. A BBC Studios Entertainment production.

Vernon Kay, who raised over £6 million last year for BBC Children in Need with his Ultra ULTRA Marathon, said: “I know exactly what Paddy will be going through so I and the rest of our Radio 2 buddies will be supporting him every pedal of the way, especially up all those hills – ouch!”

Simon Antrobus, BBC Children in Need Chief Executive added: “Paddy is taking on an extraordinary challenge which will help benefit the lives of children and young people across the country who are facing significant challenges.

“Right now, the need is greater than ever, but with the support of the public we can continue to lighten the load for hundreds of thousands of children across the UK when they need it most.

“We’re encouraging Radio 2 listeners across the country to support Paddy by taking on their own fundraising challenge too – whether that’s by roller skating or cycling – I look forward to seeing everyone’s efforts!

“A huge thank you to Paddy for taking on this challenge, everyone here at BBC Children in Need wishes him the best of luck!”

Pictured: Paddy McGuinness and Vernon Kay (Credit BBC)