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As his epic Comic Relief challenge reaches the midway point, Greg James has been surprised by a very famous face for some added motivation.
Today, the BBC Radio 1 broadcaster was joined by the Prince of Wales, who was on hand with words of encouragement as they cycled through the South Yorkshire countryside.
Greg, 40, set off on his mission on Friday in Weymouth to raise vital funds for Red Nose Day by riding 630 miles (1,000km) across the UK on a tandem bike over eight days.
Providing some welcome leg power this afternoon, Prince William responded to Greg’s recent call-out, having been challenged by the presenter to hit the road with him.
The Prince’s arrival came at a crucial stage following four punishing days of bike riding for Greg, who has done almost 500km so far.
Speaking during the challenge, the Prince told him: ‘What you’ve done is set an example about helping out. That’s the thing. It’s volunteering some of your time, putting yourself through a bit of pain at the same time, and supporting others.
‘It’s something we do very well in this country, but we don’t really shout about it enough.
‘This challenge helps everyone see that. And it’s an amazing team effort. Huge well done, Greg.’
On having the unexpected company of a royal tandem buddy, Greg called it an ‘incredible surprise’.
‘I’d 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 didn’t think he’d actually call my bluff,’ he admitted.
‘I can’t believe the impact of this daft challenge so far, and it’s just beyond my wildest dreams that I’d get trusted to carry the future King around on a big, long tandem.
‘Completely 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.’
‘He didn’t have to jump on and stare at my back for 40 mins,’ he joked. ‘But I’m so grateful that he did. Unforgettable.’
‘Now, if you’ll excuse me,’ he concluded. ‘I have to get back on my bike.’
The CEO of Comic Relief, Samir Patel, also that having Prince William show up for Greg is an indication of ‘how people across the country are getting involved and supporting Greg as he takes on [the] longest-ever challenge to raise funds for people who are struggling to eat, sleep, and feel safe right now’.
‘We’re so thankful for every donation and for everyone lining the streets to keep Greg’s spirits high and be part of this epic endeavour. Seeing communities come together like this is exactly what Red Nose Day is all about: people helping people.’
How much has Greg raised so far?
It was revealed today that Greg is close to the £1million mark, having raised £927k with The Longest Ride.
This has also been helped by the announcement yesterday that all new donations will be matched by The Hunter Foundation up to £1m.
Day 4 sees him travel 132km through Doncaster, Thorne, Selby, and Elvington before hopefully reaching one of his very favourite places in the UK, York.
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