Paddy McGuinness is in high spirits as he stops off in Blackpool during day two of his 300 mile cycle challenge for Children In Need

Paddy McGuinness is in high spirits as he stops off in Blackpool during day two of his 300 mile cycle challenge for Children In Need

As I delve into the captivating tale of Paddy McGuinness, a man whose zest for life and charitable spirit leaves me awestruck, I can’t help but feel inspired by his journey. Born with an insatiable desire for adventure and a heart full of gold, Paddy has managed to weave together a beautiful tapestry of experiences that is truly unique.


On Tuesday, Paddy McGuinness was full of enthusiasm while taking a break in Blackpool during the second day of the BBC Children in Need Ultra Endurance Cycling Event organized by Radio 2.

The television host, aged 51, is currently embarking on an extensive 300-mile journey, starting from Wrexham AFC and ending in Glasgow, all while riding a Raleigh Chopper. This adventure aims to collect funds for a charitable organization.

On Tuesday, Paddy had his most extensive ride, covering a remarkable 68 miles. Yet, it doesn’t appear to dampen his spirit.

His route began at Moor Park in Preston, onto Blackpool Promenade, through Lancashire, crossing the River Wyre, passing Lancaster Castle, into Cumbria to Barrows Green with a hill climb of 200 feet.

More hills follow into the Lake District and he will finish day two when he reaches Kendal.

Paddy McGuinness is in high spirits as he stops off in Blackpool during day two of his 300 mile cycle challenge for Children In Need

Paddy McGuinness is in high spirits as he stops off in Blackpool during day two of his 300 mile cycle challenge for Children In Need

For a brief instant, Paddy paused to return waves from the enthusiastic spectators lining Blackpool’s seaside promenade, some of whom were cheering him on and continuing to celebrate as he carried on his voyage along the shoreline.

He was all smiles as he greeted fans before setting off again, donning a neon yellow windbreaker jacket teamed with a black ‘I Heart Blackpool’ slogan T-shirt.

This morning Zoe Ball told Paddy the total amount raised so far is an amazing £205,073. 

On the Radio 2 Breakfast Show she asked the star how he felt when he got to his room last night. 

Paddy exclaimed, “It suddenly struck me that I’m incredibly fortunate, as I now have a blister on my right buttock, not ideal, but it made me realize how truly blessed I am.

Interestingly, due to an unexpected turn of events, I had to abandon my journey since during the initial 30 miles I traveled yesterday, there seemed to be no moment when someone wasn’t on the road. That’s quite a stretch, isn’t it?

Later on, darkness fell, the evening set in, and there were still crowds on the streets. In that moment, I couldn’t help but think, “What an incredible opportunity to be here, and not only that, but we’re also contributing to Children in Need.

He added: ‘So I feel really lucky, really privileged and my legs are still working so all good Zoe.’

Paddy McGuinness is in high spirits as he stops off in Blackpool during day two of his 300 mile cycle challenge for Children In Need
Paddy McGuinness is in high spirits as he stops off in Blackpool during day two of his 300 mile cycle challenge for Children In Need
Paddy McGuinness is in high spirits as he stops off in Blackpool during day two of his 300 mile cycle challenge for Children In Need

Speaking about his journey today, Paddy expressed, “I’m hoping someone has a mint cake for me when I reach Kendal!

The television host is set to provide frequent reports on Radio 2, as the second day of the contest unfolds.

On a Sunday, during the broadcast of his Radio 2 program, Paddy became emotional as he hosted it, when a listener shared a poem with him.

He confessed a listener’s thoughtful words had ‘got to him’ as the dedicated fan, Emma, reminded him of his journey leading up to the ride.

On his customary Radio 2 broadcast, Paddy received a phone call from a lady hailing from Bedfordshire who shared that she had penned a poem intended to inspire him.

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

Emma told Paddy as he embarked on his journey, “Remember, we’re here for you all the way. I hope you managed to steer clear of those pies and keep moving forward. A three-hundred-mile trip on a motorbike sounds quite daring.

Here’s my take on it:

Paddy McGuinness is in high spirits as he stops off in Blackpool during day two of his 300 mile cycle challenge for Children In Need

‘Find yourself in a pasture surrounded by cows, short on tea, ice baths, and dealing with an iffy knee. This resilient fellow from Bolton, handsome as can be, we can’t help but admire. From dreaming about a motorcycle as a lad, to receiving cycling advice from Sir Chris Hoy.’

Off to Scotland you’ll go from Wrexham, with everyone waving and shouting in support! Pedal on, Paddy, take in the sights as you go, and remember all the young lives you’ll impact.

Exhaling deeply, Paddy expressed his heartfelt thanks, admitting that his words touched something deep within the other person.

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.

Originating from Farnworth, Bolton, Paddy spent his childhood years under the care of his cleaning mother and military-serving father. After leaving home, he worked in various sectors including scrap metal industries, mining, and eventually driving trucks.

Despite the fact that his parents provided him with all they possibly could, Paddy recalled longing deeply during his childhood for specific items.

Paddy McGuinness is in high spirits as he stops off in Blackpool during day two of his 300 mile cycle challenge for Children In Need
Paddy McGuinness is in high spirits as he stops off in Blackpool during day two of his 300 mile cycle challenge for Children In Need

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 remarked, “I recall having the thought, ‘If only I could trade my right arm for that bicycle.’ We grew friendly and I borrowed it from him temporarily in exchange for a Star Wars AT-AT action figure.

In the midst of the initial Covid-19 lockdown years later, to lift his spirits, Paddy splurged £400 on eBay for the very same bicycle he’d always dreamed of as a child.

What motivated him to undertake a massive bike ride coast-to-coast was his affection for that classic bicycle, all in support of Children In Need.

Paddy’s challenge will conclude in Glasgow on Friday 15 November. 

Remarkably, the individual showcases an impressive physique without ever relying on a personal trainer. In fact, his cycling expertise can be attributed to the guidance of Olympic gold medalist, Sir Chris Hoy.

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

Paddy McGuinness is in high spirits as he stops off in Blackpool during day two of his 300 mile cycle challenge for Children In Need

The six-time Olympic gold winner, aged 48, stunned the sports community as he announced that he’s been diagnosed with stage four cancer and will live with it for the remainder of his life.

Yet, even with challenging updates, the athlete remains passionate about cycling and has been aiding his neighbor and confidant, Paddy, in training.

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

The cyclist agreed readily and promised to give Paddy a challenging ride, to help him prepare.

I, too, encouraged the television personality to hop on his bicycle daily, as getting accustomed to the saddle is crucial. Prolonged sitting in one position can lead to discomfort after all.

It appears that Sir Chris has taken it upon himself to prepare Paddy thoroughly, as the celebrity disclosed that he’s gone to considerable efforts 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.

Experiencing a terrible sensation, yet without wearing it, you’ll only be able to travel for an hour or two before needing to stop, due to the excessive heat generated by 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 takes on the BBC Children in Need Ultra Endurance Bike Ride for Radio 2, you can contribute at www.bbc.co.uk/Paddy

Read More

2024-11-12 17:50

Previous post Former Dragon’s Dogma 2 Director Hideaki Itsuno to Head Up LightSpeed Japan Studio at Tencent
Next post First look at Ben Stiller’s return in Netflix’s ’90s comedy sequel