PADDY McGuinness has smashed his charity cycle for Children In Need – raising more than £7 MILLION for needy kids across the UK.
An aching Paddy was overcome with emotion as he crossed the finish line on a retro bike in Glasgow, having raised the incredible sum.
The 51-year-old peddled hundreds of miles through cities, towns, and countryside to gather support for the BBC’s annual charity event.
He pushed off on Monday at Wrexham AFC’s Racecourse Ground and travelled 300 miles for Radio 2’s Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge on his dream childhood bike, a Raleigh Chopper.
Paddy said he broke down in tears multiple times along the way, as he thanked the incredible generosity of fans around the country.
Visibly moved earlier today, he told Radio 2 breakfast host Zoe Ball that he was “blown away” by the support he’d received, adding: “It feels like every single person knows what’s going on, it’s amazing.
“It’s really a privilege to be a part of it, it’s a little moment in my life I’ll hang on to – it’s been lovely.”
So far £7,556,853 has been raised for Children In Need.
The fundraiser has already garnered an enormous total, with donations continuing to pour in as his efforts inspired viewers and fans across the country.
The final amount raised will be revealed during the Children in Need live broadcast tonight, and promises to make a huge difference for young people facing challenges in the UK.
Fans have flooded social media with praise for Paddy, hailing his dedication and determination.
One supporter said: “Unbelievable achievement! Haven’t stopped crying all week. So heartwarming hearing all the people giving their cash to Paddy and the children it’s helping.”
Paddy took on eight counties, including Flintshire, Cheshire and Lancashire, and finished the ride in Scotland.
He’ll race back down the motorway to Salford to appear live on TV for Children In Need tonight.
Former Top Gear presenter Paddy trained with Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy for the past few weeks and said the practice had been tough.
Children In Need is the BBC’s UK charity which aims to support disadvantaged children and young people.
Since it began the annual televised appeals have raised a whopping £1.5billion over the years since 1980.
Here’s how you can donate to this incredible cause:
Online: Donate through the BBC Children in Need website.
Text: Text a keyword to a short code to donate – 70701: Text “FIVE” to donate £5, “TEN” to donate £10, and so on.
Phone: You can donate by credit or debit card on the Children in Need donation line on 0345 7 33 22 33.
Cheque: Send a cheque, postal order, or CAF voucher made payable to “BBC Children in Need” to:
BBC Children in Need Appeal
MediaCityUK
Salford
M50 2BH
Post Office: Donate by cash, card, or cheque at thousands of Post Office branches.
Fundraising: If you want to help out you can get a free fundraiser supporter kit.
He exclusively told The Sun: “I did a bike ride with Chris about three or four years ago now. I’ve still got the mental scars from it. It was so tough and difficult.
“He messaged me and said, ‘Don’t think I’m going to go easy on you.
“I know it’s going to be brutal. I know it’s going to be hell. He’s really put me through my paces.”
To support Paddy and donate, see bbc.co.uk/paddy.
