Greg James’ epic Longest Ride for Red Nose Day received a huge boost today as The Hunter Foundation has announced they will match every new donation up to £1million. The match was announced shortly after it was revealed that Greg has raised £210,215 so far just as the DJ set off on day four from Birmingham’s Mailbox with comedian Joe Lycett on the back of the tandem.
The extraordinary donation match marks the biggest boost of the ride so far, helping power the Radio 1 presenter towards his goal of raising life-changing funds for people facing incredibly tough times.
Sir Tom Hunter, founder of The Hunter Foundation said: “I’ve been watching what Greg is doing for Comic Relief – amazing initiative at a time when the need is so great. We need the good news Greg brings and the inspiration and determination he offers, and the public truly get that.
So, to help Greg with this challenge and the thousands of people this will support, The Hunter Foundation is going to match all new donations up to £1 million. We’re proud to support him and I hope everyone gets behind Greg and make a real difference to those most in need.
Good luck Greg, the whole country is cheering you on.”
The momentum behind the challenge continues to build with four days still to go before he reaches the finish line in Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on Red Nose Day.
Speaking at his pit stop this morning, Greg said: “The donations are honestly what’s keeping me going. Hearing the total this morning completely blew my mind, I had no idea it had climbed so high while I’ve been on the bike. It’s overwhelming in the best way.
“And then to find out that The Hunter Foundation are matching every new donation up to £1 million… that’s just incredible. It means every pound people give instantly doubles, which will make a massive difference to the charities Comic Relief supports. Thank you so much to Sir Tom Hunter for such unbelievable generosity.
“I can feel the support out on the road, but seeing it come through in the donations is something else entirely. I’m so grateful to everyone who’s getting behind this.”
After a grueling weekend in the saddle – cycling more than 200km of punishing climbs and freezing descents, the equivalent height of over half of Mount Everest – Greg faces another exhausting 147km today, traveling through Derby, Mansfield and Sherwood Forest before aiming to finish in Worksop later this afternoon.
Despite Greg beginning to feel the toll of the challenge now, the mood was lifted by Birmingham’s much loved funny man, Joe Lycett, who joined him for the first leg of the journey today. Appointing himself an ‘unofficial tour guide’, Joe pointed out Birmingham’s finest sights from the back of the tandem, as they cycled out of the city together. His energy and comedy commentary gave Greg a much‑needed vibe boost to help him push through what could be one of the toughest days of the challenge so far, both mentally and physically.
After his ride, Joe Lycett said: “It was an honour to support my friend Greg on this unbelievable challenge. I’m so proud of him and the people of Birmingham and beyond for their incredible support. I was on the bike for only an hour or so, but the chafing will last a lifetime.”
Greg arrived into Edgbaston Cricket Ground last night at the end of Day Three, where crowds gathered to welcome him over the finish line at a venue he often described as one of his favourite in the world. In honour of the challenge, the famous cricket ground was temporarily renamed “Gregbaston”.
This morning’s ride also saw Greg joined on the road by British para-triathlete Oscar Kelly, riding alongside his guide Louise Dunne, as well as triathlete Lucy Buckingham, bringing some serious sporting inspiration to the challenge.
Alongside regular Radio 1 check-ins, Greg’s journey will be livestreamed on Radio 1’s Youtube channel, as well as listeners being able to sign up for exclusive behind the scenes updates from the man himself via The Longest Ride Whatsapp group. If you want to see whether Greg will be cycling near you or are simply nosey about where he is right now, you can follow his progress via the journey tracker here.
And for anyone who wants to swap watching from the sofa for cheering in real life, there’s an extra twist this year: Greg’s grand finish at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on Red Nose Day will have a live audience – and you could be in it. See here to find out how to get tickets.
Money raised for Radio 1’s Longest Ride with Greg James for Red Nose Day could help fund vital projects supporting people facing incredibly tough times, both here in the UK and around the world, helping to put food on plates, provide safe places to sleep and support people who are at risk of poverty and harm. At a time when life can feel harder than ever, this challenge is about coming together and turning collective effort into real, positive change.
Radio 1’s Longest Ride with Greg James for Red Nose Day will be broadcast live across Radio 1, Morning Live and BBC Sounds, with live streams on Radio 1’s iPlayer and YouTube channels.
To support Greg, go to comicrelief.com/ride
