Greg James started a charity bike ride for Red Nose Day on Friday, dedicating it to his father who recently had a stroke. Sadly, his father’s health is very serious.
Radio One DJ, age 40, had to cancel his show last Friday because his father experienced a stroke while undergoing a scheduled heart procedure. He wanted to be with his family during this difficult time.
He went back to work on Monday and shared that his father is working hard to get better, making progress with small improvements each day.
Oh my gosh, you guys, Greg is doing it! He’s actually started! He’s cycling 1000 kilometers – a THOUSAND! – for charity, and it’s going to take him eight whole days! It’s incredible, and he’s doing it all to honor his dad. I’m seriously so proud, I can barely breathe!
The popular breakfast show host will be participating in Comic Relief’s Longest Ride, a challenging cycle from Weymouth, Dorset, to Edinburgh, Scotland. They’ll be riding a tandem bike affectionately nicknamed ‘Tando Norris’ by listeners.
On Friday morning, Matt Edmondson and Molly King, his co-hosts, started him on his journey from Weymouth’s seafront, where a large crowd gathered to cheer and wave goodbye.
Greg seemed cheerful as he positioned his bike at the start, wearing a red nose for Comic Relief, and then began his ride.
Greg is taking on a bike challenge following the good news that his father, affectionately known as ‘Big Al,’ is doing well and recovering.
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 discussed a difficult situation on his show, explaining, ‘I wanted to share an update about what’s been happening in my life lately, even though it’s a more serious topic than I usually cover.’
‘I’ve had a terrible time. My dad’s not very well. Not very well at all. And it’s horrible.
You may have 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 so grateful to everyone who sent me a message. I really appreciate all your support.
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, especially since he hadn’t wanted to share the news this way.
He had heart surgery on Thursday, and I purposely took on the Breakfast Show that day as a way to keep my mind occupied.
I constantly talk about how radio is fantastic for taking your mind off things when life gets tough. It’s beneficial for both the audience and those of us who create it. That’s why I was so pleased on Thursday – it felt like the perfect fit 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 thanked the NHS for looking after his father and said: ‘
‘Particularly the handsome doctor that he’s having by his bedside.
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 looks has actually been really beneficial.
He joked: ‘Hope he doesn’t see this, because then it’s gonna be awkward when I next go in.’
Greg announced that he was continuing with his Red Nose Day challenge, even with everything happening around him.
He was really keen for me to take on this challenge, which is happening on Friday. I’ve been training incredibly hard for it, and he knows that, as well as how important it is to me. It’s a Comic Relief event – we’re cycling 1,000km on a tandem bike from Weymouth to Edinburgh – and I’m definitely ready for it.
He’s currently stable, and seems to be gradually getting a little better, but the situation is still very difficult.
Please keep Big Al in your thoughts. I’m facing a tough time and could really use your support. It’s going to be especially difficult emotionally, so I’m hoping I can rely on you to be there for me.
Alan and Greg are close friends and often attend cricket matches together. Alan has also shared hosting duties with Greg on his Radio 1 show.
The duo took part in a GQ interview in 2019, and Alan talked about how proud he is of his son.
He often woke up around 4 a.m., and I spent countless early mornings comforting him, holding him close as I tried to help him fall back asleep.
‘But clearly it didn’t work because his first slot on Radio 1 was at 4am.’
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2026-03-13 14:34