Paddy McGuinness has announced he will take on an epic endurance challenge in aid of Children in Need.
Appearing on Vernon Kay’s Radio 2 this morning, the TV star and Radio 2 presenter, 51, revealed he plans to cycle almost 300 miles through Wales, England and Scotland.
Due to set off on Monday November 11 in Wrexham. 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 the morning of Friday November 15 in Glasgow.
He will be documenting his challenge across Radio 2, BBC Sounds and social media throughout the week. A TV crew will also be following Paddy every pedal of the way for a behind-the-scenes documentary about his challenge to air on BBC One in November.
It will see the dad-of-three follow in the footsteps of fellow R2 presenter Kay, who completed his own Ultra ULTRA Marathon challenge last year where he raised over £6 million for the charity to support children and young people in the UK who are facing disadvantages.
McGuinness - who presents a two-hour show on the station every Sunday from 11am - 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!”
Kay added: “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!”
It's hoped that Paddy's epic efforts will encourage others to take on their own challenge-on-wheels for Children in Need, which takes place on November 15, this year. More details on how to fundraise can be found here.
Meanwhile, for those who enjoy the theatre, this year’s Radio 2 Gala performance in aid of BBC Children In Need is Disney’s The Lion King.
It takes place at 2.30pm on November 10 at London’s Lyceum Theatre. Radio 2 presenter, Scott Mills, will host the performance.
The multi-award winning musical, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in the West End this year, features beloved musical numbers such as the Academy Award-winning Can You Feel The Love Tonight and stunning artistry from its design team, who created 232 puppets and over 350 costumes especially for the show.
It tells the iconic story of Simba's epic adventures, as he struggles with the responsibilities of adulthood and becoming king. For further information and to book tickets, visit bbc.co.uk/radio2events.
As well as putting on this Gala performance in support of BBC Children in Need, The Walt Disney Company is making a £50,000 donation to the charity.
