COMEDIAN Paddy McGuinness has tugged on heartstrings while taking part in an gruelling challenge to raise money for Children in Need – and joined forces with his former Top Gear co-star Chris Harris for some moral support.
Presenter Paddy, 51, is attempting Radio 2’s Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge for the BBC charity and cycling almost 300 miles from Wrexham AFC to Glasgow on a Raleigh Chopper.
McGuinness is traversing three nations from Wales into England and finishing in Scotland.
During a well-needed pit stop, Top Gear’s Chris Harris joined Paddy to spur him on.
After cycling over 66 miles in one day, Paddy took a welcome break and crossed Liverpool’s Mersey ferry where he was met by 50 seven-year-old children who welcomed him at Pier Head to sing Yellow Submarine.
The dad-of-three told Jo Whiley after an exhausting first day: “It’s been tough going, I’m not going to deny it, today Jo, but there’s been that many people out, honestly it’s really blown me away how many people came out.
“When you’re doing your training on your tod, you don’t think anyone’s bothered about it, but today it’s just been absolutely amazing.”
He continued: “The best thing today was all the primary schools came out showing pictures and they all had masks on and what have you, masks of me which was a bit weird but lovely!
“What was the highlight was seeing kids, you know, we were coming up into Preston half seven at night and they’re all dressed as Pudsey,
“I’m on about three, four-year-olds, it was so cute.
“So we’ve got through today. I didn’t think I would. I can’t even believe I’ve done 60 odd miles.
“I’ve never done anything like that before, but I’ll rest up tonight.”
Jo Whiley revealed that £155,727 has been raised already. An emotional Paddy told the crowd at Moor Park: “Oh my days, it makes it all worth it.
“I’ve been to some the places that Children in Need help and knowing where that money’s going it just fills my heart, that does.”
Olympic champion cyclist, Sir Chris Hoy, who has terminal cancer, encouraged with a message: “There is no doubt this will be the toughest thing that you ever do.
“There’s no two ways about it. The next five days are going to be gruelling.
“Hill after hill after hill. Paddy you must keep pedalling on your little chopper.
“This will be five relentless days over brutal terrain but when it gets really tough just remember why you’re doing this.
“You’re doing this to inspire the nation. You’re doing this for Children in Need.
“And we’re all behind you.”
