Paddy McGuinness revealed the jaw-dropping new total of cash he’s raised so far for Children In Need during his BBC Radio 2 show on Sunday.
The former Top Gear host, 51, undertook a 300-mile bike ride, beginning in Wrexham, Wales, on Monday and crossing the finish line in Glasgow on Thursday.
He emotionally told listeners that he ‘cannot comprehend’ the ‘staggering’ amount, before revealing the sum of £9,124,609.
Paddy gushed: ‘Give me a second everyone, let me just take in this figure. You lot, wherever you might be now, if you’re listening to this show and you put a couple of quid in the bucket.
‘Or whether you got the chequebook out and you put in a vast amount, every single person who has got involved, every child’s pocket money, every person with a last bit of spare money in their pocket.
‘Everyone, all of you, so far, for Children In Need we have raised £9,124,609. Get in! Come on! Can you believe that?’
Paddy McGuinness revealed the jaw-dropping new total of cash he’s raised so far for Children In Need during his BBC Radio 2 show on Sunday
He emotionally told listeners that he ‘cannot comprehend’ the ‘staggering’ amount, before revealing the sum of £9,124,609
He also shared the incredible achievement on Instagram, where he was met with praise from fans who quipped: ”Jeez Paddy I’m off again. You’ve bought out the best in all of us this week ❤️ Take a bow xxx’
‘Well done Paddy. You’ve been nothing but an inspiration this week! All that money because of what you’ve done. You’ve made me cry more than once…but that’s okay. Hoping your legs (and bum) are recovering.’
‘Wowza! They deserve every penny you raised. You were an absolute star. Well done Paddy and Patch (and all your team!)’
‘Unbelievable mate, what an achievement to be so proud of.’
‘Well done Paddy and your entire team. What you be done this week has inspired many people, and helped so many children… in need!’
And the eye-watering figure is still rising as the donations continue flooding in.
During the Children In Need live show, Paddy was presented with a check by former track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy as it was revealed that he had raised £8,856,580.
Joining the presenters Ade Adepitan, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Chris Ramsey and Lenny Rush on stage, the comedian was left in shock.
The former Top Gear host, 51, undertook a 300-mile bike ride, beginning in Wrexham, Wales, on Monday and crossing the finish line in Glasgow on Thursday
During the Children In Need live show, Paddy was presented with a check by former track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy as it was revealed that he had raised £8,856,580
Paddy said: ‘Underneath these clothes its all sellotape and safety pins. But when you’re in it you kind of just get on with it.’
He continued: ‘The actual joy of doing it, you can’t call it a challenge. Honestly it’s a privilege. The feeling of love, community, and people coming together, it’s the best feeling in the world and I’ll never forget it.’
Paddy joked that he was ‘thinking of buying shares in Kleenex’ as he had used so many throughout the ride.
On Thursday, he thanked supporters who he said kept him going on his 300-mile charity cycle ride.
The TV personality undertook the challenge on his dream childhood bike, a Raleigh Chopper, painted in the colours of the charity mascot Pudsey.
Shortly before 9am on Friday, Paddy received a surprise visit from businessman Sir Tom Hunter who pledged to match every donation up to £3 million through his Hunter Foundation.
He was also joined for some of the Scottish leg by Olympic cycling hero Chris Hoy, in a moment described by the TV presenter as an ‘absolute treat’.
Concluding his incredible cycling journey at BBC Scotland’s Pacific Quay headquarters, Paddywas met with crowds of people lining the streets in support of his charitable efforts.
He was joined on the Scottish leg of his ride by former Olympian Sir Chris Hoy
He later described Hoy’s presence on the ride as ‘an absolute treat’
Describing the moment he turned the last bend of the ride, he said: ‘I came around the corner there, what a sight, what a feeling, thank you so much everybody. Wow’.
Speaking after his charity odyssey, the comedian added: ‘It sounds corny and cheesy, but honestly, every single person is what kept them pedals turning.’
Going on to reflect on the magnitude of the funds raised, the former Top Gear host remarked: ‘It’s a moment in time I will take to my grave, and I will never forget it’.
In his post-cycle comments, Paddy also reflected on the challenges which were presented by riding a bike designed for children over such a great distance.
‘You’re in a stressed position all the time when you’re riding it. So that’s why my back keeps seizing up… my knees have gone now, they’re completely shot’, an exhausted Paddy shared.
Thankfully for the TV host though, a physio was on hand at every juncture of the journey to ensure he crossed the finish line on Friday.
He was met by his ex-wife Christine who stepped out with two huge bunches of balloons for her ex-husband Paddy on Friday, after their ‘toxic’ divorce battle.
The model, 36, put on a busty display in a low-cut black playsuit, teamed with sheer tights and knee-high boots.
She bundled up in a stylish cream coat and accessorised with black shades while strutting down the street with ‘well done daddy’ balloons for Paddy after he complete his brutal charity cycle.
Radio 2’s Zoe Ball was on hand and threw her arms around him, before he later took to the stage to duet with 80s icon Chesney Hawkes.
