BBC 2 presenter Paddy McGuinness set to ride through Preston in big cycling challenge

BBC Radio 2 presenter, Paddy McGuinness, is set to ride through Preston as part of a huge cycling challenge for Children in Need.

He is set to take on the ultimate endurance ride of his life by cycling through three nations, starting in Wales, travelling through England and finishing in Scotland.

Paddy was in Preston earlier this month at BBC Radio 2 in the Park, and he is set to return to Moor Park on his journey.

Read more: BBC Radio 2 presenters Rylan and Michelle Visage honoured by iconic Preston cartoonist

Due to start the big challenge during the Breakfast Show on Monday 11 November, Paddy will pedal almost 300 miles, starting in Wrexham.

The route will take him through eight counties and he is aiming to finish on Friday 15 November in Glasgow. 

As he is raising money for BBC Children in Need, Paddy is not cycling on a regular bike, he will be completing the challenge on a customised and modified Raleigh Chopper bike.

Read more: Watch as fireworks light up Preston city centre for Encounter Festival 

Paddy said: “I’ll be cycling from Wrexham to Glasgow. That’s 300 miles, eight counties and three nations. ‘No likey, no bikey’ just isn’t an option! 

“As a kid, I didn’t have much and used to be really jealous of my mates riding around on those bikes, so I’m really honoured to support BBC Children in Need by getting peddling to raise as much money as possible for the charity. After seeing Vernon’s incredible efforts last year… no pressure then!”

Vernon Kay raised over £6 million last year for BBC Children in Need with his Ultra ULTRA Marathon.

Paddy will also be stopping off at villages and towns along the way to meet as many Radio 2 listeners as possible, hoping they will give him some cheers and encouragement.

Read more: Local land director raises over £1,200 for Derian House doing the Great North Run

Simon Antrobus, BBC Children in Need Chief Executive said: “Paddy is taking on an extraordinary challenge which will help benefit the lives of children and young people across the country who are facing significant challenges. Right now, the need is greater than ever, but with the support of the public, we can continue to lighten the load for hundreds of thousands of children across the UK when they need it most. 

“We’re encouraging Radio 2 listeners across the country to support Paddy by taking on their own fundraising challenge too – whether that’s by roller skating or cycling – I look forward to seeing everyone’s efforts! A huge thank you to Paddy for taking on this challenge, everyone here at BBC Children in Need wishes him the best of luck!”

Paddy’s Ultra Endurance Cycle will be broadcast live on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, with video highlights on social media. He will also be joined by a host of surprise guests to keep him going.

Listeners are encouraged to get behind Paddy with their own wheel-based fundraising challenges. You can sign up here.

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines