Greg James breaks down in tears at his mum’s Mother’s Day message during gruelling Red Nose Day challenge as his dad recovers from a stroke

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Greg James became emotional during his Red Nose Day challenge on Sunday when he received a voice note from his mother. This happened while his father continues to recover from a stroke.

The Radio 1 Breakfast Show host, age 40, is biking 1000 kilometers (621 miles) over eight days with a partner to raise money for Comic Relief. He received a lovely message on what was already a very tough day three of the challenge.

In the message, she said: ‘Hello sweetheart, it’s Mother’s Day, and I’m so lucky to be your mum.

I’m proud of you always, but I was particularly impressed by your bravery and perseverance when facing this difficult situation.

I love you so much, and I’ll be here for you through everything. Don’t give up – I know you’ve got this.

During a live broadcast, Greg shared that his mother, who is a PE teacher, had given him a whistle before he started his challenge.

Greg is biking towards Edgbaston to complete day three of his Comic Relief challenge. He was cheered on by a group of motorcyclists wearing Red Noses as he returned to England from Wales.

Greg had to cancel his performance last Friday because his father experienced a stroke while undergoing a scheduled heart procedure, and he wanted to be with his family.

He went back to work on Monday and shared that his father, known as ‘Big Al,’ is doing well and is still alive.

He expressed his gratitude to Sam and Danni for their help on Friday, explaining that he had a small family emergency involving his unwell father.

‘I know that he would want me to get back on the show. And he’s still with us, which is good!’

Greg shared that his father is working hard to get better and is making slow but steady progress in his recovery.

Greg recently addressed a difficult situation on his show, explaining, ‘I want to share an update on what’s been happening in my life lately. It’s a more serious topic than I usually cover, but I felt it was important to let you know.’

‘I’ve had a terrible time. My dad’s not very well. Not very well at all. And it’s horrible.

You may have already heard Sam and Danni mention this on Friday’s Breakfast Show – I wasn’t able to be there myself. They were really kind about it, and I’m grateful to everyone who sent me a message – thank you so much!

He said: ‘In times like these, it’s so nice to feel the love from people.’

Greg said he’s sorry people are learning about his father’s situation through his social media, and apologized for the way they’re finding out.

I was a wreck when I heard he was having heart surgery on Thursday. Honestly, it was terrifying. So, I threw myself into work – I did the Breakfast Show that morning, hoping it would take my mind off things. It was a good distraction, I needed anything to keep me from completely falling apart.

I constantly talk about how radio is fantastic for taking your mind off things when life gets tough. It benefits both the people listening and those who create the programs. That’s why I felt so good on Thursday – it felt like the right place for me. I genuinely enjoy doing it.

We received the devastating news on Thursday night that the surgery wasn’t successful and he suffered a stroke. It’s just awful.

Greg said he went to visit his father in the ICU over the weekend. 

He expressed his gratitude to the National Health Service for caring for his father, and specifically mentioned the doctor attending to him, adding with a smile that he was a handsome man.

It’s funny, isn’t it, how sometimes the most helpful thing is something completely silly? Like, being in a group chat just to compliment the doctor’s appearance actually really makes a difference.

He joked: ‘Hope he doesn’t see this, because then it’s gonna be awkward when I next go in.’

Even with everything happening, Greg confirmed he was still moving forward with his Red Nose Day challenge.

Abergavenny exploded with cheers as Greg finished a grueling 200km stretch of his 1,000km trip to Edinburgh. Thousands of people crowded the streets to welcome him, and he arrived looking tired but deeply moved.

Yesterday, comedian and YouTuber Max Fosh rode on the back of a tandem bicycle with Radio 1 DJ Greg in Chepstow and quickly realized just how challenging Greg’s undertaking was.

After only 1.5 kilometers, Max had to stop, highlighting just how physically demanding and extensive Greg’s undertaking is.

Here’s an update from Greg about today’s ride: He said it was incredibly difficult. He started feeling cold, tired, and sluggish after a sleepless night, and just when he’d find a good pace, another huge hill would appear.

One moment you’re feeling exhilarated and completely in the zone, and the next you’re facing the challenge of starting all over again.

What’s really encouraging me right now is seeing so many people show their support in surprising ways – like gathering at the ends of country roads, in parking areas, or even just standing on their porches and making noise with pots and pans, almost like we’re back at the beginning of the pandemic.

Seeing kids cheering from the top of the hill when I was so tired and emotional was incredibly moving. I’m truly grateful to everyone for their support – it felt like a magical moment, and it meant the world to me.

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2026-03-15 23:04