Paddy McGuinness shocked as he gets message from A-list Hollywood star on 300 mile bike ride
PADDY McGuinness was left shocked after receiving a message from Michael Sheen on his 300 mile bike ride today.
Presenter Paddy, 51, is riding a Raleigh Chopper dubbed Patch across the country this week in an epic Children In Need cycle challenge.
He aims to reach the finish on Friday in Glasgow, Scotland, all the while raising vital funds for the charity.
Before setting off on his challenge, Paddy spoke to Zoe Ball on her Radio 2 Breakfast Show for some words of motivation.
But he was soon left stunned after she revealed the Hollywood actor, Michael Sheen, had left him a voicenote.
He said: “Hello Paddy, it’s your old mate Michael Sheen here. What a fantastic thing you’re doing here.
“I want to give you as much support as possible, so as inspiration – I’m going to do a bike ride as well!
“I’m going to go from this wall here, all the way across to that wall over there. If I can do it, you can do it, mate! Good luck, all the best! All the best!”
Before setting off on his challenge, Paddy also spoke to Dot Davies and James Williams from BBC Radio Wales about what it was like to train with Sir Chris Hoy.
The Take Me Out host said: “It’s like being a football fan and having a kickabout with Messi.
“If you’re a cyclist you’d give your right arm to train with him. He’s so inspiring he gets me through the days when were out training and he’s just a pleasure to be around.”
He went on to explain why he chose the chopper bike for his challenge, saying: “I could never afford one always wanted one its iconic I love the shape of it.
“That’s going to be the star of the show, kids are going to love this, and then the mums and dads can sort of have the rose tinted spectacles on and take themselves back to their own childhoods.”
Chris, himself, had left a message for Paddy too.
The cyclist said: “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.
“And just remember that every mile you ride is a mile closer to getting off that saddle.
“Paddy you’re a hero and whatever happens we’re so proud of you. Now, on your bike!”
PADDY POWER
The Phoenix Nights favourite recently told The Sun of his gruelling fitness routine – as well as his “secret weapon” – for the fundraising challenge.
Former Top Gear presenter Paddy has been out training with Olympic cycling great Chris for the past few weeks and said the practice has been gruelling.
He says: “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.”
How to donate to Children In Need
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 will take in eight counties, including Flintshire, Cheshire and Lancashire, and finish the ride in Scotland before racing back down the motorway to Salford to appear live on TV for Children In Need this Friday.
Paddy says: “The main thing for me is getting people to donate whatever they can to help Children In Need.
“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 McGuinness does Radio 2’s Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge for BBC Children in Need – donate at www.bbc.co.uk/paddy.