GREG James was left shocked after Prince William surprised him on a tandem bike for Comic Reliefs Longest Ride.
The BBC Radio 1 presenter, 40, kicked off his brutal 1,000km cycling challenge from Weymouth in Dorset to Edinburgh in Scotland on Friday morning.
Five days in, Greg has already raised a whopping £927k for Comic Relief, with the number no doubt increasing as he nears the end.
This morning, he got the surprise of his life when Prince William appeared on a tandem bike of his own to cycle through the South Yorkshire countryside.
After cycling almost 500km across four gruelling days, Greg officially reached the half way point today.
The Princeâs arrival comes at a crucial point for him as he offered him vital words of encouragement to keep him going for the second leg.
Speaking on Gregâs challenge, Prince William said: âWhat youâve done is set an example about helping out. Thatâs the thing.
âItâs volunteering some of your time, putting yourself through a bit of pain at the same time, and supporting others.
âItâs something we do very well in this country, but we donât really shout about it enough.
âThis challenge helps everyone see that. And itâs an amazing team effort. Huge well done, Greg.â
Greg was taken aback as he expressed: âWhat an incredible surprise. Iâd joked when I recorded a recent radio show with him that he was very welcome to turn up and do a stint on the tandem but I didnât think heâd actually call my bluff.
âI canât believe the impact of this daft challenge so far and itâs just beyond my wildest dreams that Iâd get trusted to carry the future King around on a big long tandem.
âCompletely bizarre but so kind of him to spend some time amplifying our message of making sure we look after the most vulnerable people in society.
âHe didnât have to jump on and stare at my back for 40 mins but Iâm so grateful that he did. Unforgettable. Now if youâll excuse me, I have to get back on my bike.â
Samir Patel, CEO of Comic Relief, said: âHaving Prince William support Greg on the tandem today really shows how people across the country are getting involved and supporting Greg as he takes on our longest ever challenge, to raise funds for people who are struggling to eat, sleep and feel safe right now.
âWeâre so thankful for every donation and for everyone lining the streets to keep Gregâs spirits high and be part of this epic endeavour.
âSeeing communities come together like this is exactly what Red Nose Day is all about, people helping people.â
The radio DJâs fellow presenters Matt Edmondson and Mollie King were seen supporting Greg at the start line as they set him off on Weymouth seafront on Friday.
There were hundreds of fans waving and cheering him on he began the gruelling challenge.
Emotional Greg appeared to be in high spirits as he was spotted posing at the start line in a red nose.
In an interview before he set off, Greg said: âThis is one of those things that needs to be a challenge. And there is an element of this which I think I might not do it. But I will try my very best.
âThereâs no sort of foregone conclusion of this. This is not, like oh, this will be easy, Iâll see you in eight days.
âThis will be difficult. But Iâm focused. Iâm ready.â
Greg kicked off his gruelling mission for Comic Relief on FridayCredit: Getty
Source: https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/38544510/greg-james-shocked-prince-william-bike-comic-relief/
