Paddy McGuinness breaks down live on Radio 2 as he prepares for 300 mile cycle challenge for Children In Need

Paddy McGuinness breaks down live on Radio 2 as he prepares for 300 mile cycle challenge for Children In Need

I find myself deeply moved by the resilience and determination of Paddy McGuinness as he embarks on his latest adventure for BBC Children in Need. His journey, both physically and metaphorically, is a testament to the power of dreams and the human spirit.


On the airwaves of Radio 2, during his Sunday show, Paddy McGuinness was moved to tears by a listener’s poem, which he heard being read aloud.

51-year-old TV personality admitted that heartfelt remarks from a listener moved him deeply, as dedicated fan Emma brought back memories of his preparations for the Children In Need event – a 300-mile bike ride commencing on Monday.

On his customary Radio 2 broadcast, Paddy received a call from a woman residing in Bedfordshire who shared that she had penned a poem intended to bolster him.

Taking the call, Paddy welcomed the caller on to the show before asking her to share her poem.

Emma told Paddy before his journey: “Remember, Paddy, we’re here for you as you embark on your trip. Let’s hope those meat pies didn’t derail you and you manage to stay on course. A 300-mile ride on a chopper might seem like a wild idea, but good luck!

Paddy McGuinness breaks down live on Radio 2 as he prepares for 300 mile cycle challenge for Children In Need

Paddy McGuinness breaks down live on Radio 2 as he prepares for 300 mile cycle challenge for Children In Need

However, since we’re confident that you possess the ability, we believe you can pull this off. Your consistent workout updates, detailing your bruised rear, tired muscles, and assorted scratches, have been quite inspiring.

‘Winding up in a pasture surrounded by cows, out of tea, ice baths, and with a questionable knee. This lad from Bolton, golden-hearted and handsome, if we might be so forward. From dreaming about a motorcycle as a child to receiving cycling advice from Sir Chris Hoy.’

As an over-the-moon fan, here I am, eagerly waving goodbye as you embark on your journey from Wrexham to Scotland! The roads will be filled with beeping horns and cheers, a testament to the impact you’ve made. Pedal away, Paddy, not just for the scenic views, but also for the memories of all those young lives that are about to change because of you. Let this journey be as inspiring for you as you’ve been for us!

With a heartfelt sigh, Paddy expressed his thanks, admitting it touched him deeply.

He told the caller: ‘Emma, thank you very much for that. It got me a little bit that.  It is so beautiful. Do you know what I love about that Emma? 

‘The fact you were talking about things I had forgotten about my self.’ 

He then revealed he forgot about getting lost on the cow field. 

Raised in Farnworth, Bolton, by his cleaning-working mom and military-serving dad, who later worked in the scrap metal business, mining, and eventually driving trucks.

Paddy McGuinness breaks down live on Radio 2 as he prepares for 300 mile cycle challenge for Children In Need
Paddy McGuinness breaks down live on Radio 2 as he prepares for 300 mile cycle challenge for Children In Need

Despite the fact that his parents provided him with everything they possibly could, Paddy recalled feeling a deep longing as a child for specific items.

And one of those was a purple Chopper, his bike of choice for his charity ride across the UK. 

He told the publication that as a boy he got a BMX 2000 as a present and although he has fond memories of that bike, what he really wanted was a purple Chopper.

He said: ‘I remember thinking, ‘God, I’d give my right arm for that bike.’ I became mates with him and borrowed it off him for a while and swapped it for a Star Wars AT-AT [All Terrain Armoured Transport] toy.’

During the initial Covid-19 lockdown, I decided to bring a bit of joy into my life by purchasing the very same bicycle I’d always dreamed of owning as a child – the one that had once cost me £400 from eBay.

Overflowing with passion, I embarked on a monumental journey, fueled by my undying affection for that classic bicycle. Pedaling across the land wasn’t just a ride; it was a heartfelt tribute to Children In Need.

The humorist is gearing up for the Radio 2 Extreme Cycling Marathon, aiming to collect funds for a charitable cause.

On Monday, November 11th, Paddy will kick off at Wrexham Football Club. Following that, he’ll journey through Flintshire, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire, Westmorland, Cumbria, Dumfriesshire, and finally Lanarkshire, concluding his trip in Glasgow on Friday, November 15th.

For the endurance challenge, the presenter will be cruising on a vibrant yellow motorcycle adorned with Pudsey Bear’s likeness on its bodywork.

Remarkably, the star doesn’t have a personal trainer but has only received cycling guidance from the esteemed Olympic gold medalist, Sir Chris Hoy.

The cyclist, revealed last month that his cancer had become terminal. 

Paddy McGuinness breaks down live on Radio 2 as he prepares for 300 mile cycle challenge for Children In Need

48-year-old, a six-time Olympic gold medalist, stunned the sports community as he disclosed that he’s been diagnosed with stage four cancer, meaning he will live with this condition for the remainder of his life.

Yet, even amidst challenging circumstances, the athlete’s passion for cycling remains undiminished. He’s also been assisting his neighbor and good friend, Paddy, in their training regimen.

In simpler terms, the host of Take Me Out mentioned that Sir Chris resides close by, so he contacted him for advice on his workout routine.

Additionally, the cyclist eagerly agreed and swore to lead Paddy on some challenging bike rides, helping him prepare for the journey ahead.

Additionally, he suggested that the television personality consider cycling daily to grow accustomed to riding a bike, as prolonged sitting in one position might cause discomfort.

It appears that Sir Chris considers it his individual quest to prepare Paddy, as he himself disclosed that he’s putting in a lot of effort to assist him.

He confessed: ‘He’s been going around finding me bum cream! I’ve got to slather it on myself, and the bib shorts I’m wearing.

Feeling unpleasant, prolonged rides beyond an hour or two aren’t possible without wearing it due to the constant friction.

As well as taking on the mammoth cycle, Paddy will be making his way around the UK via stage. 

The tour will be his first in eight years and will wrap up in April 2025. 

Paddy McGuinness undertakes the Radio 2’s Extreme Cycling Event for BBC Children in Need – consider contributing at www.bbc.co.uk/Paddy

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2024-11-10 18:19

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