💖AT LAST… HE DID IT!” — Radio 1 star Greg James breaks down in tears after completing 1,000km on a tandem bike for Comic Relief’s Longest Ride, raising a staggering sum for charity that leaves many in awe.😲🌟🎉

ON YOUR BIKE 

Greg James Red Nose Day challenge LIVE: Radio 1 star breaks down in tears as he finishes epic ride and raises over £4m

GREG JAMES has completed his epic 1,000km Red Nose Day charity tandem cycling challenge!

Radio 1 legend James, 40 has raised over £4MILLION and finished his extraordinary challenge in Edinburgh ahead of Comic Relief tonight.

Greg was hit by some devastating news earlier this month when his dad, Alan, suffered a stroke during a planned heart operation.

18 minutes ago

By Declan Dempsey

What is a tandem?

Greg James cycled for 1,000km across eight days for Comic Relief, starting in Weymouth and finishing in Edinburgh.

But he didn’t do it on a normal bike.

Rather then a simple bicycle, the Radio DJ and TV show host rode a tandem, a bicycle with seats and pedals for two riders, one behind the other.

This allowed him to ride with a guest – one of which, being the Prince of Wales.

33 minutes ago

By Declan Dempsey

How long has Greg worked at Radio 1?

Greg has become one of Radio 1’s longest working presenter since joining the show in 2007.

He has hosted lots of different shows including the drivetime show, weekday afternoons and his current Radio 1 Breakfast show.

Listeners love the segments Greg comes up with like Yesterday’s Quiz and Unpopular Opinions with it’s catchy theme tune.

Greg even asked Prince William for his unpopular opinion, he controversially said that Sara Cox’s challenge was harder!

Greg James wearing headphones and a black jacket with a red fleece lining, holding a BBC Radio 1 microphone and a water bottle, during the Radio 1 Longest Ride challenge for Comic Relief.
47 minutes ago

By Declan Dempsey

“I’ve learned so much about myself”

Greg James completed his 1,000km ride across the UK today, finishing in Edinburgh to a large series of applause from fans.

Whilst still on the tandem, he said: “The biggest dream I ever had was to do this show, and it has given me more than I could ever have imagined.

“It has made me into a much better person than I ever was and I’ve learned so much about myself, so much about this country so much about amazing people.

“Can you tell I’ve been having big big thoughts this week? I genuinely love the listeners to Radio 1. I love the stories. I love how silly they are. I love how serious they can be as well because that’s what life is. Sometimes you’re funny. Sometimes you’re sad. Sometimes you’re serious. You can do that all within the space of five minutes.

“This whole thing has just sort of encapsulated how I fell in love with radio.”

Longest Ride With Greg James - Red Nose Day Challenge
1 hour ago

By Declan Dempsey

What to expect from Funny for Money?

For this year’s Comic Relief, a sketch named The Traitors: The Movie – The Sequel, based of the popular show, will feature Anna Friel playing a spoof Claudia Winkleman.

There is also set to be a bank heist sketch with Luther star Idris Elba.

Other highlights include a rather literal interpretation of comedy series Amandaland that will include a handful of famous Amandas, and a performance from singer-songwriter Calum Scott.

1 hour ago

By Declan Dempsey

When is Comic Relief?

Funny for Money will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and BBC One from MediaCityUK in Salford tonight from 7pm.

Davina McCall will host the full evening of entertainment as she will be joined by Katherine Ryan, Nick Mohammed, Joel Dommett, and Catherine Tate.

2 hours ago

By Declan Dempsey

Wise words

Greg revealed that his father had gave him some words of guidance before beginning the challenge.

His dad told him “Take this thing out of the situation, take the sting out of the situation. Remove yourself from it, just take a moment. That’s done, next bit. That’s done, next bit.”

On how the advice helped him, Greg said: “That’s really what’s seen me through. All that training. From my mum and dad, really, I guess.

“So this I dedicate this to them, and all the people that pushed me up those hills. We knew that this would be a near-impossible challenge.”

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2 hours ago

By Declan Dempsey

“This whole trip has been really emotional”

Scot Tares is a highly experienced Scottish cycling guide with over 15 years of experience.

He helped Greg throughout the challenge and upon completion, he said: “The whole trip has been really emotional but coming into Edinburgh, the emotions were running high, and to raise so much money for Comic Relief is incredible.

“There’s been a few moments where Greg has been really low and really struggling, and we’ve got to the top of the hill and there’s people standing there all day, in all weather.

“It’s really boosted him and given him the kick he needed to keep on going.”

2 hours ago

By Declan Dempsey

Massive contribution

An insane £4 million was raised by Greg James as he completed his 1,000km cycling challenge across the UK.

And British rock band Coldplay helped contribute towards that number, as they donated £100,000.

This follows earlier in the week when frontman Chris Martin sent Greg a message of encouragement to help spur him on to keep going.

2 hours ago

By Declan Dempsey

A proud wife

Almost immediately after finishing, Greg caught up with his wife Bella Mackie.

In their conversation, she revealed she had donated every day, contributing to the £4 million that was ultimately raised.

She also said: “I have so much faith in you, I knew 100% that you would do it.

“Once you put your mind to something, you are so determined. I knew it would be impossibly hard but I never ever doubted that you would finish it.”

3 hours ago

By Declan Dempsey

Who joined Greg on his challenge?

Whilst riding on his tandem bike, Greg welcomed a handful of guests on the saddle throughout the eight days.

Most notably, the Prince of Wales rode with him for a few kilometres on Tuesday.

Other guests included Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas, Gethin Jones, Alice Levine and Jamie Laing, who happened to be wearing lingerie.

3 hours ago

By Declan Dempsey

“I’m going back to Weymouth”

Greg was told live on radio that he managed to raise over £4 million for Comic Relief.

And his reaction was priceless!

“I’m going back to Weymouth – for £4 million I’ll do anything! I can’t tell you what good that will do.

“£4 million?! Sorry my brain just actually stopped then!”

3 hours ago

By Declan Dempsey

HOW MUCH?

Before he reached the finish line it was revealed Greg James has raised over £3.3 million.

But since completing his Comic Relief challenge that figure has since increased to a whopping £4,041,910!

3 hours ago

By Declan Dempsey

“Never again”

Greg said “Never again” after his 2018 challenge which raised £1million for Sport Relief.

But he came back and pushed himself to the limits, cycling 1000kms across the UK on a tandem for Comic Relief.

Stay tuned to find out the exact number he managed to raise.

Greg James at the finish line during the Radio 1 Longest Ride challenge for Comic Relief.
4 hours ago

By Declan Dempsey

Greg says dad “would love to be here”

Greg’s father Alan couldn’t be at the Murrayfield Stadium for the grand finish as he had suffered a stroke following heart surgery earlier this month.

And speaking since completing his Comic Relief challenge, Greg said: “My dad is hopefully watching me swear on the news.

“He loves rugby so much. He would love to be here at Murrayfield. This is an iconic place. All these people have turned up…

“I am overwhelmed by the whole thing. Thank you to everyone for following this.”

4 hours ago

By Declan Dempsey

“It feels amazing”

Greg James spoke for the first time since passing the finish line.

He said: “I can’t believe it’s done! I couldn’t see, I just kept bursting into tears at everyone I saw. Please, let me get off this bike.

“It feels amazing to complete that, to have done that amazing, to have pushed through it all, to be part of an amazing team, to have raised so much money, and to have finished!

“It’s been such a struggle at times but everyone has got me through it. The thing I will remember the most is the joy of seeing everyone. There was so much joy on that whole journey.”

4 hours ago

Greg James passes the finish line!

It’s over! After cycling 1,000km in a tandem, the British radio and television presenter has completed his Comic Relief challenge.

It took him eight days to finish after setting off from Weymouth in Dorset on March 13.

4 hours ago

By Declan Dempsey

Where is Greg’s grand finish?

With Greg just 1km away from the finish line, lets take a look at where it’s taking place.

The grand finish to his journey across the UK is at the Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.

It’s the largest stadium in the country and is owned by the Scottish Rugby Union, hosting the nations rugby team.

4 hours ago

By Declan Dempsey

Less than 5km to go!

We’ve reached the final leg!

Greg James has now remarkably cycled over 995km of the 1,000 in just eight days.

In doing so, he has raised over £3.3 million for Comic Relief and left the entire nation impressed.

Longest Ride With Greg James - Red Nose Day Challenge
4 hours ago

By Declan Dempsey

Cycling legend is impressed

Greg James has done remarkably well, completing almost all of his 1,000km Comic Relief cycling challenge.

It’s caught the attention of Olympic Cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy, who left a message for the Radio 1 presenter.

“I just want to send you a very quick message to say well done on all you’ve achieved so far.

“You’ve done an amazing job and you’re almost there.

“Just know that tomorrow you’re not going to have to sit on that saddle again and you’re going to have such support coming into Edinburgh – that’s my hometown!

“I know that people are going to get right behind you and cheer you in.”

Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee 2022 - Platinum Pageant
5 hours ago

By Declan Dempsey

Over £3.3 million raised with just over 10km to go

With the finish line looming closer, a new landmark has been reached as the money raised has increased to over £3.3 million!

With just over 10km to go, Greg has said: “It’s been one of the most incredible weeks of my life – I’ll never, ever forget it.”

5 hours ago

By Declan Dempsey

Where does the money raised go?

As previously mentioned, Greg has raised over £2.8 million, but what is this money spent on?

As per the comic relief website, every £50 donation is spent on one of four options:

  • 50 nutritious snacks for a child in the UK
  • Ten first aid supplies for a disaster response team
  • Five domestic abuse helpline calls answered
  • Two weeks in a hostel for a young person who is homeless
5 hours ago

By Declan Dempsey

Just 20km to go!

Greg has now completed 980km of the route on his tandem bike.

That leaves him with just 20km left to cover as he closes in on the finish line located in Scotland’s capital.

Greg said: “I do feel all the listeners are on this seat behind me.

“It’s been a very, very, very, very special eight days of my life that I’ve really, really needed. Everyone just came together and did a fun thing this week.”

5 hours ago

By Declan Dempsey

Approaching the finish line

It’s the eighth day of his Comic Relief challenge and Greg James is so close to completing his route.

He’s now covered 970km of the 1,000, which leaves him with just 30km still to go.

At the finish line in Galashiels he was asked by a child if he was cycling home.

Greg responded: “No! No I’m not, you little squirt.”

6 hours ago

By Declan Dempsey

How to donate?

To donate and support Greg James’ Longest Ride for Red Nose Day, simply send a text message to 70011.

Type TEN to donate £10, type TWENTY to donate £20, or type THIRTY to donate £30.

Texts cost your donation amount plus one standard network rate message and 100% of your donation goes to Comic Relief.

Or to donate money online, click the link below.

DONATE NOW
6 hours ago

By Declan Dempsey

Weather causing no problem

Unlike when he attempted his Gregathlon challenge in 2018, it looks like Greg’s journey today will not be impacted by the weather.

Nine years previously Greg had to abandon the final stage quest due to Storm Emma.

But other than some mist and fog, the weather is providing no obstacle at the moment, with sunny skies expected by the time Greg rolls into Edinburgh.

6 hours ago

Over £2.8 million raised!

The latest update revealed Greg has raised a whopping £2,823,694 so far!

Currently cycling through Scotland, the Radio DJ and TV show host has just passed through the village of North Middleton and shows no sign of slowing down.

Longest Ride With Greg James - Red Nose Day Challenge
6 hours ago

When did Greg set off this morning?

After starting in Weymouth on March 13, Greg has made it to the last day of his 1,000km Comic Relief challenge.

Today, he set off at 5:40am as he said: “I’m croaky but I’m up.

“I’ve got nearly 70km to do to get to the end. I’m just going to get going – I’m fired up.

“With all the support and energy, and £2.5million raised, I feel like I can do anything.”

7 hours ago

By Emily Downes

The countdown is on

It really is PEDAL to the metal as Greg embarks on the final throes of his challenge.

He’s aiming to cross the finish line during the Breakfast Show this morning, but time is ticking.

Will he make it in time?

8 hours ago

By Emily Downes

Has 8 days of pedalling all been worth it?

Reflecting on what he’d achieved so far, Greg said in a post: “I’ve tried my best to take it all in…

“You hope that people are excited about something that you do, but this level is ridiculous!

“To the level that the future king gets on the back of your bike?”

9 hours ago

By Emily Downes

Big band tribute

It’s not only Radio 1 listeners and Greg James fans splashing the cash for the Comic Relief cause, global superstars Coldplay have promised to donate £100,000 to the challenge.

Earlier in the week frontman Chris Martin sent Greg a message of encouragement, and now the band are upping the ante with their new pledge.

10 hours ago

By Emily Downes

The Final Stretch

Greg finished off the penultimate day of his 1,000km Comic Relief challenge yesterday, having raised £2.5million.

How much will the radio legend finish off his impressive feat with today?

It all started eight days ago as the DJ kicked off his pedalling pursuit, and now, as the miles finally catch up with him, Greg is just hours away from a remarkable finish.

13 hours ago

By Daniel Tison

Text the word

You don’t need a computer, internet connection or a credit card to make a donation.

Another way to contribute to Greg James’ Longest Ride for Red Nose Day is by simply sending a text message to 70011.

Type TEN to donate £10, type TWENTY to donate £20, or type THIRTY to donate £30.

Texts cost your donation amount plus one standard network rate message and 100% of your donation goes to Comic Relief.

16 hours ago

By Daniel Tison

From the start line in Weymouth, Dorset, all the way to the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, Greg’s route stretches incredible 1000kms.

Spanning over the course of eight days, this makes it the longest challenge and furthest distance ever completed by a Radio 1 presenter.

A tandem offers Greg no shortcuts, especially with so many hills to climb as the road winds through the Borders.

Longest Ride With Greg James - Red Nose Day Challenge
16 hours ago

By Daniel Tison

Every donation makes a difference

A donation of £20 could help pay for 20 nutritious snacks for a child in the UK.

It can also cover the cost of four first aid supplies for a disaster response team.

Two domestic abuse helpline calls can be answered for this price.

Alternatively, this sum can enable one week in a hostel for a young person who is homeless.

DONATE NOW
18 hours ago

By Daniel Tison

Never say never

“Never again” said Greg after his 2018 challenge which raised £1million for Sport Relief.

But he’s back now and pushing himself to the limits as he’s cycling 1000kms across the UK on a tandem for Comic Relief.

With dozens of miles in his legs, Greg is summoning every last ounce of physical and mental strength for his final day tomorrow.

Longest Ride With Greg James - Red Nose Day Challenge

 

19 hours ago

By Daniel Tison

Who you’re helping

Greg’s challenge is about coming together to collectively help people feel safer and more secure when they wake up in the morning.

Greg visited 1625 Independent People, a charity funded by Comic Relief supporting young people leaving care who are at risk of having nowhere to go.

During his visit, the BBC Radio 1 host met Aimee, who first connected with the charity when she was 17 and about to leave the care system.

They wrote some poetry together – something that has become a powerful outlet for Aimee.

Today, she is living independently and using her writing to inspire other young people facing similar challenges.

“1625 have just offered me a safety net. I don’t always have to ask for help, but I know if I needed it, they’re there.”

19 hours ago

Greg aiming to finish during Breakfast Show

Greg is aiming to cross the finish line during his Breakfast Show tomorrow in spectacular fashion!

Speaking about today’s brutal climb, Greg said: “Today was the toughest by far. It was the longest day, and one more push tomorrow.

“But do you know what I’m going to try and do? I’m going to try and finish this thing during the Breakfast Show tomorrow.

“We’re making a plan to start early – we’re working out how early we can leave to munch down those final kilometers to get to Edinburgh, I think it’s like 50 or 60?”

20 hours ago

By Daniel Tison

‘World of pain’

Speaking to Sophie Raworth on BBC News at Six, Greg said: “I’m so proud that this challenge has been propelled onto the news.”

However, he also admitted that he is currently “in a world of pain” after climbing so many hills on his tandem.

Greg said: “I am aching all over and I am so nearly done and completely depleted from this challenge.

“Tomorrow is the final day – I hope I get there.”

20 hours ago

By Daniel Tison

Final miles of the day

Supported by thousands of BBC Radio 1 listeners sending emotional messages and voice notes, Greg is getting closer to his final destination.

He’s currently passing through the picturesque, historic town of Melrose.

That is only a few miles from Galashiels where he will conclude his journey for today.

21 hours ago

By Daniel Tison

Back on the road

After a short break, Greg is back on the road again, winding his way through the Scottish Borders.

Despite all the sweat and pain, he keeps a smile on his face and admires the beautiful countryside around him as the sun sets.

Greg said: “I can’t believe I’m saying only… but only 75 miles to go! C’mon!”

21 hours ago

By Daniel Tison

A trio of gatekeepers

While Greg is currently resting in Jedburgh, a friendly trio are awaiting him at the Scottish border.

Jeremiah Asiamah, Jack Saunders and Vick Hope are ready to welcome Greg in Galashiels where the cyclist will conclude day seven of his journey.

It may seem like round the corner, but there is still 20 miles to go before Greg can call it a day and get some sleep.

21 hours ago

By Daniel Tison

Greg battling through knee problem

Greg has revealed he’s suffering with his knee as he enters the final stretch of his penultimate day.

He told the BBC: “Down below the waist, things aren’t good. Obviously there’s a lot of pain in the buttocks, but it’s my left knee.”

Despite changing his pedaling style, Greg’s knee has got progressively worse and now it’s swollen up, but he’s not stopping any time soon.

“I don’t mind at this point, we’re so close to the end of this thing, it’s doing so much good, this money. That is actually the best painkiller.”

22 hours ago

By Hope White-Heath

How to support Greg James

To support the Longest Ride for Comic Relief and raise money for Comic Relief, visit comicrelief.com/ride.

You can follow James live via the official Comic Relief tracker at comicrelief.com/rednoseday/challenges/greg/tracking.

It shows his current position and planned route on an interactive map.

22 hours ago

By Hope White-Heath

The Last Stretch

Greg is in the final part of today’s cycling challenge.

He is almost at Jedburgh now.

Day 7 will finish when Greg arrives at Galashiels which is just round the corner.

22 hours ago

By Hope White-Heath

Greg’s bike

Greg James is completing the impressive feat of driving across the UK for Comic Relief.

He wouldn’t be able to do it without his custom made bike.

The bike has been named Tando Norris after Formula One world champion Lando Norris.

It was was handbuilt for Greg by Mercian Cycles of Derby, one of Britain’s longest-established custom frame makers.

22 hours ago

By Hope White-Heath

Caught off Guard

Greg has now been met by his friend Callum.

He is out of breath and tired from such a difficult climb.

Greg said: “we’re so close now, I almost can’t believe it.”

He was so ready to finish that climb that he speedily nipped past Callum originally.

He was pedalling so hard that he had to double back to say hello to his pal.

When he caught sight of Callum’s kilt he jokingly said: “I’d like to bend down and have a look but I won’t because I won’t be able to get up again!”

22 hours ago

By Hope White-Heath

Scottish surprise

Greg is almost in Scotland now.

He is on his longest ride so far and as he approaches the Scottish border he has a surprise waiting for him.

Greg’s good friend, and fellow presenter, Callum Leslie is there to surprise him with a big hug.

Callum is ready for him with a kilt on.

22 hours ago

By Hope White-Heath

A little help from Greg’s friends

Greg has had lots of help from his pals on this journey.

3 days ago he posted a video with comedian Joe Lycett who joined him on the tandem for a while.

Greg said Joe is: “a wonderful energy, a wonderful engine and a wonderful friend.

23 hours ago

By Hope White-Heath

The biggest ascent

Greg is approaching the biggest hill of the entire challenge.

When he stopped to chat with his colleagues earlier, he spoke about the upcoming ascent.

He said: “I was just told the ascent we’re about to do is ‘the highest ascent of the entire challenge.'”

He sarcastically added: “that’s good isn’t it.”

Greg is smashing it and cycling through the pain of these massive hills.

23 hours ago

By Hope White-Heath

Expectations vs Reality

Greg has told his supporters how much the total amount raised has exceeded his expectations to a crazy degree.

When his Radio 1 colleagues asked him how he felt about the total raised, he revealed: “it’s spiralling out of control, in a good way!”

He then spoke directly to the listeners: “Let’s keep spiralling it,

“Let’s break the comic relief servers, let’s keep donating and let’s see what those babies have got.

“Honestly, I said on the first day ‘anything over ten grand, so that I’m not wasting my time here’ but its definitely not a waste of time.

“Maybe the greatest use of my time ever and the greatest reason to be in pain, mentally and physically, ever.

“It’s a genuine privilege to pedal these miles now.”

23 hours ago

By Hope White-Heath

Where is Greg now?

Ever on the move, Greg is staying on his bike.

The Radio host has now passed Rochester.

He is currently in the Village of Byrness in Northumberland.

Longest Ride With Greg James - Red Nose Day Challenge
23 hours ago

Greg’s reflections

Greg has taken a break from cycling and was told the updated total amount raised which was over £2.4million.

He has been reflecting on the journey so far and told his audience: “I’ll remember all this for the rest of my life.

“Because it’s been, well, it’s been a unique experience but not to be repeated.

“I’m trying to remember everything because we’re creating a really cool thing here and I love it.

“I mean, I hate it, but I love it at the same time.

“I’ve got a lot of stuff going around my head

I don’t want to do anymore but I also do want to do loads more and if the money keeps going on like that I’ll go ‘well maybe well just keep going round the coast.’”

23 hours ago

By Hope White-Heath

Updated total

Greg’s Radio 1 colleagues have phoned in to tell him the updated total that his supporters have raised.

The new total is £2,413,981.

Greg shook his head in disbelief and couldn’t help but smile at the news.

He said: “Wow!

“Well done everybody.”

23 hours ago

By Hope White-Heath

Greg James and Taylor Swift

In 2018 Greg James interviewed Taylor Swift and ended the convo by saying: “I think you need to have a shower now.”

She responded: “I agree and I’m not offended that you said that.

“There’s a lot going on and none of it is good.”

His comment to the megastar sparked controversy amongst fans but she took it well.

Fans are throwing it back to this iconic moment, Radio 1 posted a pic on Insta of Greg with a sign that reads: “I think you need to have a shower now.”

The caption is: “if he showers, will @taylorswift donate? 👀”

23 hours ago

By Hope White-Heath

Long Boi

Fans of Greg’s Radio show will be familiar with Long Boi.

He is a duck from York which has become a reoccurring feature in Greg James’s life.

Greg wore a mourning veil for the duck after it passed away and a statue was even erected in its honour.

So, when Greg cycled through York on Tuesday March 17, he was greeted by fans of Long Boi.

A mascot of the late, great duck also came out to celebrate Greg and his cycling challenge.

Longest Ride With Greg James - Red Nose Day Challenge
23 hours ago

By Hope White-Heath

Fantastic fits

Fans have shown up for Greg with hard core support.

One way that they have championed Greg is through their fun outfits.

Just a few minutes ago, Greg cycled past a line of kids each with cheerleading pom poms which they shook as he rode past.

Earlier in the day, when Jamie Laing was on the back of the tandem, they were greeted with someone dressed up as Pitbull.

They agreed the experience was “surreal” and giggled.

Fans are embracing the Comic Relief spirit of “Funny for Money” by dressing up.

24 hours ago

By Hope White-Heath

Sisterly support

Greg got to see his Sister today when she gave him some words of encouragement after he finished for the day.

She said: “I’ve seen him grow up from being my sappy little brother to this incredible person he’s become today.

“And we’re really proud of everyone who’s come out to support, it’s been amazing…

“Not only have you been brilliant, and you’ve been training for this for months, so it’s been a huge commitment behind the scenes,

“but everyone else who’s here supporting, donating, cheering you by the roadside…

“I couldn’t be prouder of us as a country right now.”

After they caught up, Greg said: “What a legend. She’s just been such a rock in my life for the whole time,

She is the absolute best, I love her so much.”

Longest Ride With Greg James - Red Nose Day Challenge
24 hours ago

By Hope White-Heath

£2million reaction

Greg was overjoyed at how much his supporters have raised for the cause.

When he was told it was over £2million he couldn’t help but get out of the saddle.

He jumped up and screamed with excitement before going and celebrating with some dogs.

A baffled passer by was walking 3 white dogs and was met by a shouty Greg James yelling two million in their face.

With such a great achievement, and such a thrilled Greg, the dog walker and all Greg’s fans can’t help but have a smile.

As one of his Radio 1 colleagues put it, Greg is: “sort of losing his mind but in the best way.”

24 hours ago

By Hope White-Heath

Where is Greg now?

Greg is still moving fast.

He is even nearer to Rochester now, currently in Otterburn village.

There is now just 150km to go.

1 day ago

By Hope White-Heath

How much has Greg raised?

The total amount raised from Greg’s cycling challenge so far is £2,235,087.

In just seven days he has managed to raise over £2million.

It has been the motivation to keep him going on this gruelling challenge.

1 day ago

By Hope White-Heath

How long has Greg worked at Radio 1?

Greg is one of Radio 1’s longest working presenters.

He joined the station in 2007 and has hosted lots of different shows including the drivetime show, weekday afternoons and his current Radio 1 Breakfast show.

Listeners love the segments Greg comes up with like Yesterday’s Quiz and Unpopular Opinions with it’s catchy theme tune.

Greg even asked Prince William for his unpopular opinion, he controversially said that Sara Cox’s challenge was harder!

1 day ago

By Hope White-Heath

How does Greg unwind when he’s not cycling?

Greg loves to watch telly and listen to music to keep going.

When he is not on the tandem bike Greg said: “I have done thousands of miles, either out in the real world or on a bike in the spare room with a laptop propped up watching Heated Rivalry.”

He also has a playlist to take his mind off the hills.

Greg said: “The song I just can’t stop listening to is Aperture by Harry Styles. I’ve also got a lot of Chemical Brothers because that’s just nice, upbeat, good dance music.”

Longest Ride With Greg James - Red Nose Day Challenge
1 day ago

By Hope White-Heath

Where is Greg now?

Greg is making great progress today, he is currently between Newcastle and Rochester, near a town called Meldon.

There is only today and tomorrow left on this challenge for Greg.

On Friday 20th March the challenge will conclude in Edinburgh.

1 day ago

By Hope White-Heath

Jamie on Greg’s outlook

Jamie told viewers: “Being on the back of the bike with Greg,

“This is tough, this is not easy.

“We’re going up and down hills, this is a lot.

“And the only thing Greg is really worried about is if I’m ok.

“He’s knackered, he’s exhausted, he’s emotionally drained and he’s still caring about other people.

“He’s stopping to say hello, he’s waving at everyone.

“He just keeps on going.

“He’s doing it and it is insane to see.”

1 day ago

By Hope White-Heath

Recent family heartbreak

Earlier this month Greg had to cancel his show and rush home after his beloved father Alan Milward suffered a stroke during a planned heart operation.

Alan is recovering as well as can be expected but is still very ill.

Greg told Prince William: “He’s doing alright and my Mum’s telling him about the progress but it’s a horrible thing to have happened.”

On the second day of the cycling challenge, Greg sobbed when discussing his Dad’s health issues.

He has managed to keep a positive mindset whilst cycling and has even uses this for motivation.

Greg reflected: “Imagine a tough time with no one looking after you. That’s what’s going to spur me on.”

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1 day ago

By Hope White-Heath

Who else has been on the bike?

Paddy O’Connell from Broadcasting House.

Oscar Kelly, a blind Paralympian, joined Greg on a tandem next to him with his guide.

Alice Levine, one of Greg’s good friends and a fellow Radio 1 presenter.

Geraint Thomas, a Tour de France winner.

Prince William gave his royal co-sign after cycling with Greg.

Comedian Joe Lycett.

Influencer Max Fosh.

Jamie Laing is currently on the bike with a must see outfit.

1 day ago

By Hope White-Heath

Heartfelt thank you

Greg let Jamie know just how grateful he is to have a friend join him for the ride: “Massive thank you Jamie.

“Fair play for turning up, it’s very very good of you to also dress as that haha.

“That’s some effort to come and do this,

“And it’s not easy, it is quite cold out here today.

“We’re really going for it.”

1 day ago

By Hope White-Heath

Flashback to Greg last year

For 2025’s Red Nose day, Jamie Laing took on the challenge of running 150 miles for Comic Relief.

In the last 30 miles Laing was joined by Greg in a… wedding dress!

The pair are both Radio 1 hosts and are clearly big supporters of each other, especially when wearing unusual clothes.

Ultra Marathon Man with Jamie Laing Radio 1 Red Nose Day Challenge
1 day ago

By Hope White-Heath

Jamie Laing’s provocative outfit

Greg is currently joined by Jamie Laing on the tandem bike.

Laing has left many viewers questioning his outfit choice.

He is wearing lingerie for the cycling challenge.

This is thanks to BBC listeners rather than his own wardrobe.

By 9.30am Greg’s supporters had raised an extra £150k to have control of Jamie’s clothes.

1 day ago

By Hope White-Heath

Joined by Prince William

On Tuesday 17th March, Greg had none other than Prince William on the back of his bike.

Greg called the experience “unbelievable.”

“Two weeks ago we did this radio show together.

“I joked afterwards and said, “Oh I’m off to the challenge soon, get your lycra on mate, and join me on the tandem!

“And then suddenly he turned up and called my bluff – and there I was escorting the future King on a very long bike across the Yorkshire moors.”

1 day ago

By Hope White-Heath

What’s happened so far?

Yesterday marked day six of Greg’s cycling challenge.

He rode from York to Sunderland which was a total of 144km.

On day 6 the hills returned which Greg is not a fan of.

Greg said: “Never done anything quite so brutal.”

He told viewers: “Give Cathy and Heathcliff his very best.”

This is not Red Nose Day’s only nod to Wuthering Heights – Katherine Ryan and Jon Richardson will be channelling their inner Margot Robbie with a spoof titled Withering Heights which will be on Friday 20th March on BBC One.

1 day ago

By Hope White-Heath

Hello and welcome to Greg James’ seventh day

Greg James has entered his brutal seventh day of his epic 1,000km Red Nose Day tandem cycling challenge!

This morning, Greg started in Sunderland and is making good progress in his big charity challenge, which concludes in Edinburgh ahead of Comic Relief tomorrow.

Greg has raised over a whopping £2million so far and was even joined by Prince William earlier this week.

We will be bringing you all of the updates right here as Greg heads towards the gruelling finishing line.

Greg James lying on a tandem bicycle on a stone wall, overlooking a valley.