Epic bike challenge collects 7.5 million GBP to BBC Children in Need

BBC Radio 2 presenter Paddy McGuinness has crossed the finish line to complete his epic Cycling challenge for children in needafter riding almost 300 miles from Wales to Scotland on a Raleigh Chopper bike.

The former Top Gear and Question of Sport presenter, 51, has raised more than £7.5million on his five-day journey on a customized 1970s children’s bike called Patch.

“What a sight, what a feeling!” he said as he finished his journey at BBC Scotland headquarters in Glasgow just before 10:30 GMT on Friday.

This year’s televised Children in Need appeal starts at 7pm on BBC One with Girls Aloud, Ella Henderson and Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa set to take part.

McGuinness set off from Wrexham on Monday and was greeted by crowds as he finished his tour on Friday.

“I honestly can’t believe it. I came out of East Kilbride, I looked at Glasgow and it was lit up in sunshine,” he said.

“Then I came in here and the streets were packed. I had Sir Tom Hunter beside me and I came round the corner there… Thank you all very much.”

McGuinness’s fundraising total will rise significantly after Scottish businessman and philanthropist Sir Tom said he would double all donations made from Wednesday onwards, up to a £3m limit. GBP.

The Bolton-born star has said he was motivated to take on the challenge by the people he had met who benefited from projects funded by BBC Children in Need.

“When you meet these people… that’s what spurs you on, and when you see the work that’s being done in and around it, and again, when you’re out and about, it’s just people who stop me ,” he said.

He was joined by Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy on Thursday and received messages of support from astronaut Tim Peake and his Phoenix Nights co-star Peter Kay, as well as hundreds of listeners.

Last year, another Radio 2 presenter, Vernon Kay, raised more than £6m for Children in Need after completing his ultramarathon.

The DJ ran from Leicester to Bolton – a distance of 116 miles – over four days.

Children in Need is the BBC’s charity for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

It has raised more than £1bn. for charities and projects since its first major appeal in 1980.

Friday’s live entertainment extravaganza on BBC One will involve three hours of comedy, music and surprise guests.

Ade Adepitan, Chris Ramsey and Rochelle Humes will host the show alongside Kay, Mel Giedroyc and Lenny Rush.

One of the most anticipated elements of this year’s appeal is a new version of Girls Aloud’s single I’ll Stand By Youwith lead vocals sung entirely by their late bandmate Sarah Harding.

The ballad was originally released as a Children In Need song in 2004 and topped the UK charts for two weeks. The 20th anniversary reissue will once again raise money for the charity.

A new version of the music video, featuring unseen archive footage, will be shown during Friday’s appeal show.

Other highlights of the evening will include Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa introducing a preview from the show’s upcoming Christmas special.

Doctor Who fans are getting the chance to own pieces of memorabilia from the long-running science fiction drama when two items go up for auction.

There will also be an appearance by singer Ella Henderson, while fellow pop star Kylie Minogue has recorded a special message which will be played on the night.

Viewers can also expect a visit from the stars of Gladiators as well as a special appearance from Strictly Come Dancing, where the pros will be joined by TV character Bluey.

And actor Gary Oldman will read a CBeebie bedtime story which will be broadcast as part of the show.

BBC Children in Need airs on Friday 15 November at 19:00 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.