RADIO 1 DJ Greg James is getting back in the saddle for Comic Relief – and fans in Dorset and Somerset are gearing up to support him.
The star is set to leave Weymouth tomorrow morning (March 13) as he embarks on an epic 1,000km trek from the Dorset town, to Edinburgh, in a total of just eight days.
James’ trek is the latest Longest Ride for Red Nose Day effort for the appeal, with the DJ donning his Lycra to climb aboard a tandem bicycle for the challenge.
The second seat of the cycle is set to be filled by various supporters, special guests and charity beneficiaries as James continues his epic journey.
Leaving Weymouth at between 8.30am and 8.40am on Friday (March 13), the star is set to head north, with the route believed to take in parts of Somerset and Bristol.
The DJ said he was surprised to find himself taking on another challenge, having previously completed five triathlons in five days in 2016 and in 2018, finishing Pedal to the Peaks, in which he cycled and climbed Scafell Pike, Snowdon, and Ben Nevis, both for Comic Relief.
“I honestly thought I would never be so silly to say yes to Comic Relief again, but why not make it a hattrick?,” he said.
“Seriously though, the world feels really overwhelming at the moment. There’s a lot of things to worry about and everything is just feeling a lot, so now is the right time to come out of challenge retirement and do my bit to help.
“Cycling 1,000km in eight days will be brutally hard and relentlessly demanding, but that’s exactly the point. There will be moments when my legs are exhausted and i want to give up when everything hurts, but I am ready for it.
“I’m dedicating this challenge to anyone who feels like they’re carrying life’s load on their own. Whether someone is struggling silently, feeling overwhelmed, or just trying to get through one difficult day after another, I want this challenge to show that none of us have to do it alone. So come on – let’s do this.”
Radio 1 breakfast host Greg James is taking on a 1,000-km trek for Comic Relief. Picture: BBC/Comic Relief
Throughout the week, the Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Greg James, which runs from 7am to 10.30am, will feature updates from the road, while the entire Radio 1 family is backing the challenge.
The mammoth route will take Greg through cities, towns and villages where Comic Relief funded partners are providing essential support to those who need it most.
Samir Patel, CEO of Comic Relief, said: “Greg taking on this ride is a remarkable show of commitment and compassion. What makes this challenge so special isn’t just the scale of it, but the message behind it – that progress is possible when people step in for one another, even for a moment.
“Across the UK and beyond, many people are facing pressure that feels unrelenting, and the support raised through this challenge will help ease that burden in very real ways.
“Greg’s determination, alongside the generosity of everyone backing him, will help ensure that help reaches those who need it most. We’re hugely thankful to Greg for everything he’s putting into this, and we’ll be right behind him from the first kilometre to the last.”
Money raised will help fund projects supporting people facing tough times in the UK and around the world, he added.
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