Paddy McGuinness charity route TRACKER: Star finishes Children in Need challenge and raises a staggering amount of money
TV presenter Paddy McGuinness completed his lung-busting Children In Need cycling challenge today.
McGuinness, 51, finished his near-300 mile journey after setting off from Wrexham in Wales on Monday on a Raleigh Chopper.
He arrived at the finish line at the BBC studios in Glasgow.
The popular TV personality has raised a staggering £7.5 million over the course of the gruelling journey.
"I know it’s going to be brutal. I know it’s going to be hell," he said before setting off.
You can follow all the latest updates on Paddy's cycling challenge in our blog below...
Paddy: The Ride of My Life
If you’ve ever wondered why there’s always a car trailing Paddy as he cycles up those tough hills, you’ll get the full scoop in a BBC documentary that covers the five day journey and will air next week.
Tune in at 8pm on BBC One next Tuesday, 19th November, for an inside look at every moment of the ride—ups, downs, and all.
What position did Paddy McGuinness play in Soccer Aid 2024?
Paddy was on the Soccer Aid squad for the June 2024 match as a celebrity goalkeeper.
Speaking about Soccer Aid before the big game, he told ITV: "When I first started, I used to play 90 minutes.
"Then the next time I did 70 minutes, then 45. And I've gradually done less and less and less.
"So, when you're just over 49, it's like 'stick him in the net because he's knackered'.
"So that's what I'm doing. I'm going in the nets."
Why is Paddy’s bike called ‘Patch’?
If you were wondering where the name Patch came from, Jo Whiley got the scoop last night during her Radio 2 show.
“The chopper is essentially a house brick with two wheels on!” said Paddy, “It’s not made for these kind of journeys, they’ve patched it up. That’s why we call it ‘Patch’.”
So now you know.
Is Paddy married and does he have any children?
Paddy was married to former Miss Liverpool, Christine McGuinness.
The pair tied the knot in 2011 at Thornton Manor in Wirral after three years together.
However, in 2022, the couple, who share three children together, announced that they had split.
The pair welcomed their twins Leo and Penelope in 2013.
This was followed by the birth of their daughter Felicity, in 2016.
In 2023, the former couple were nominated for a National Television Award for their powerful BBC documentary detailing their struggles raising three children with autism.
What is Paddy McGuinness' biggest showbiz fear?
Despite his career success, Paddy previously confessed that he never turns down work in television due to a "constant fear"; that work might dry up.
He said: “I do think being working class, it’s in you. You just have that thing of ... that constant fear of, if it stops what do I do next?
“You constantly have that in your mind.
"I’ve always been quite driven in that sense.
“I’ve always been looking at the next thing, even when I’m on a show that’s really successful.
“I’m constantly looking at the next thing or trying to create something myself.”
Paddy emotional after incredible feat
Paddy McGuiness has admitted he's "been crying his eyes out" during his brutal 300 mile charity cycle as he raised £7,309,045 for Children In End today.
He told Zoe Ball: "As usual at this time of the morning, everything is sore, everything is aching but again I've just rocked up here where I'm going to set off.
"I try and go round and high five everyone. They're like - you've done it, we're all behind you. It just pushes you for that last little bit.
"I don't know how I will feel, how I will react. I know one thing - I've done some crying this last few days - flipping heck Zoe! I've been crying my eyes out!"
Zoe replied: "You've got to get it out! I've read loads of messages from people saying 'hearing Paddy have a cry, it's so good.
"Men struggle sometimes to let it out, you've made men and women have a cry, listening to you. You've cycled, 265 miles, will you ever be parted!"
Who is Paddy McGuinness?
Patrick Joseph McGuinness, also known as Paddy McGuinness, was born on August 14, 1973, in Farnworth, Lancashire.
He is well known face within the world of television and comedy.
After leaving school at 16, and getting a job on a building site, Paddy made his TV debut in 1995 as a contestant on a series of dating shows, including Davina McCall's God's Gift.
Evans offers support
Wynne, pictured below, sent a message of support for Paddy: “I… like to ride my bicycleeeee! I like to ride my bikeeee.
“Well, I don’t actually – but Paddy clearly does with this massive challenge he’s doing.
“Paddy – good luck mate. It’s Wynne Evans here. While you’re in Wales, if you need anything give me a shout – I’ll be right there.
“What a guy.”
HE'S DONE IT
Paddy McGuinness has officially finished his Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge, crossing the finish line in Glasgow to scores of cheering members of the public!
What a way to cap off a truly epic and gruelling journey.
Paddy: The Ride of My Life
If you’ve ever wondered why there’s always a car trailing Paddy as he cycles up those tough hills, you’ll get the full scoop in a BBC documentary that covers the five day journey and will air next week.
Tune in at 8pm on BBC One next Tuesday, 19th November, for an inside look at every moment of the ride—ups, downs, and all.
HE'S NEARLY THERE
Paddy is pedalling through Glasgow and has the finish line in his sights!
You can now follow Paddy’s every move with the BBC’s brand new tracker that will chart his progress – available now at .
Track his final minutes on the bike seat before the historic finish.
‘I cannot wait – to finish’
Paddy has taken in eight counties, including Flintshire, Cheshire and Lancashire, and is set to finish the ride in Scotland today before racing back down the motorway to Salford to appear live on TV for Children In Need tonight.
Paddy said: “The main thing for me is getting people to donate whatever they can to help Children In Need.
“I am mentally ready for it now. I just want to get started.
“I’m planning on just eating a load of pies afterwards.
“Honestly, I cannot wait until we’re at that finish line in Glasgow.
“I’ll probably inhale a pint of Guinness when I finish. And then we’re in the back of the car and straight down to Salford for Children In Need on Friday night.”
Paddy's final push
Paddy McGuinness is set to complete his lung-busting Children In Need cycling challenge today after riding 300 miles on a Chopper bike.
The beloved TV personality has raised more than £6.5m during his five-day journey from Wrexham to Glasgow.
He is due to cross the finish line at the BBC studios this afternoon.
How can you help?
Paddy’s Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge for BBC Children in Need is well underway! But he’s still got a long way to go…
If you’d like to support him with a text or online donation – you can find all the details in the graphic below or at this .
A reminder that Sir Tom Hunter will match all donations up to £2 million so now is the perfect time to donate!
Donations to double
Sir Tom Hunter will match all donations until the finish later today.
This means that every pound donated will have double the impact, as Hunter matches contributions to support the BBC Children in Need campaign.
Why is Paddy’s bike called ‘Patch’?
If you were wondering where the name Patch came from, Jo Whiley got the scoop last night during her Radio 2 show.
“The chopper is essentially a house brick with two wheels on!” said Paddy, “It’s not made for these kind of journeys, they’ve patched it up. That’s why we call it ‘Patch’.”
So now you know.
Day 4 - from Ecclefechan to Strathaven
Paddy has completed another challenging leg of his journey through Scotland today.
After reaching Ecclefechan last night, he set off early this morning, tackling the tough stretch of road alongside the River Annan towards Lanarkshire.
He climbed 1,040 feet to Beattock and passed through Crawford and Lesmahagow, before finally arriving in Strathaven this evening, completing another impressive day on the bike.
Blue surprise Paddy
Yesterday afternoon, Blue gave Paddy McGuinness a much-needed boost with a special rendition of All Rise.
Kicking off the song with the line “no bikey, no ridey,” the band rebranded it as “All Ride” in his honour.
Paddy shared how the performance gave him “the biggest smile” and made it feel like the sun was shining, despite the rain.
Paddy: The Ride of My Life
If you’ve ever wondered why there’s always a car trailing Paddy as he cycles up those tough hills, you’ll get the full scoop in a BBC documentary that covers the five day journey and will air next week.
Tune in at 8pm on BBC One next Tuesday, 19th November, for an inside look at every moment of the ride—ups, downs, and all.
Paddy spurred on by former co-host
Earlier in the journey, Paddy teamed up with his former Top Gear co-star Chris Harris, who joined him for some much-needed moral support.
During a well-needed pit stop, Top Gear’s Chris Harris joined Paddy to spur him on.