Greg James raises an incredible £4million for Comic Relief as final figure is revealed after huge donation from Coldplay for his 1000km bike challenge

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Greg James has raised an amazing £4 million for Comic Relief! The final total from his huge 1000km bike ride was announced on Friday’s show.

The BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show host, age 40, recently completed an eight-day bike ride on a tandem bicycle. Throughout the journey, he received unexpected visits from loved ones, including Prince William.

Greg explained to host Davina McCall, during the return of the yearly charity telethon on BBC 1, that his fundraising efforts quickly gained momentum, boosted by a large donation from Coldplay.

Many famous faces participated in ‘Take Yourself Funny for Money,’ performing in a variety of comedic sketches and challenges.

The crowd erupted, chanting Greg’s name, when it was announced live on air that his fundraising challenge had brought in an incredible £4,225,939.

He told Davina he was really glad to be there, but also very confused. He explained that he’d woken up near the Scottish border, cycled to Edinburgh, and somehow ended up in Salford.

Greg went on to explain that someone yelled instructions at him to pull into the parking lot, and Prince William was standing there waiting.

It was a secret mission. When I asked if he had brought his own motorcycle, he said he’d be riding on mine. I’ve never gripped the handlebars so tightly in my life.

It’s hard to believe what could have happened if he’d fallen! It might have been disastrous, even potentially ending Comic Relief. Things quickly escalated from there – Coldplay, for example, donated a huge £100,000.

It’s an incredible feeling to finally reach the top of a steep climb, completely exhausted, and then see a welcoming sight – like a school full of children and friendly farmers waiting for you.

‘This thing has really captured people’s imagination. It was a hard thing we did, but a fun thing.’  

With the crowd chanting, Greg said, ‘This is making me uncomfortable, please stop.’

Look, I just finished, and honestly, I’m overwhelmed with all the nice things people are saying. It was a silly idea to even try and raise money and get the word out about the incredible charities Comic Relief helps, but I have to say something…

If you give people excessive attention, like they’re a famous person passing by on a bicycle built for two, it’s overwhelming – please direct it elsewhere!

Red Nose Day raises money for organizations that support people facing homelessness, poverty, and mental health challenges, both in the UK and around the globe.

Greg was overjoyed to discover he’d raised £2.8 million for Comic Relief during his bike challenge, and he was only a few miles away from finishing in Edinburgh.

I was so excited to see him begin the last leg of his incredible journey! He started cycling from Galashiels in the Scottish Borders on Friday, and it was amazing to think he’d already raised £2.5 million. It’s been inspiring to follow his progress.

A little over an hour into his ride, Greg paused for a break in North Middleton, Midlothian, only 16 miles from Edinburgh, where he was headed.

While taking a break during the event, Greg chatted with radio personality Matt Edmonson, who announced they had now raised a total of £2,823,694.

Greg excitedly shouted, “2.8 million! YESSS!” He continued, “Wow, things are really taking off! It’s almost ridiculous, but in a good way. It’s fun when things are a little silly, isn’t it?”

Let’s continue this playful activity and try to do it three times. We’re doing it in memory of Arthur, and to honor how much he enjoyed it.

Greg started the segment by announcing he’d requested a large, playful donation be made to Comic Relief at the end of the day. He then asked how much money had been raised so far and encouraged everyone to continue.

‘Okay so when we last had a total it was £2.5million, which is crazy,’ Matt said. 

Matt continued, saying, ‘We’ve only been broadcasting for just over an hour. Let’s see what the current total is…’

Greg excitedly shouted when he saw the full amount of £2.8 million, then got ready to complete the course.

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2026-03-21 01:19