SIR Tom Hunter has pledged £2million to an epic charity bike challenge being tackled by Paddy McGuinness in aid of Children in Need.
Paddy is currently cycling 300 miles between Wrexham and Glasgow on a Raleigh chopper to raise money for the BBC charity.
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Thousands of people have lined the route to offer Paddy support after he began his journey on Monday.
But he received a huge boost when philanthropist Hunter pledged to match donations up to £2m after being blown away by what he was attempting to do.
Hunter also used to sell chopper bikes when he was younger.
The money will come from the Sir Tom Hunter Foundation.
In a message to Paddy, Hunter said: “Hi Paddy. Tom Hunter here. You and I have never met, but I’ve been really inspired by your Children in Need challenge.
“When I was growing up in Scotland I used to buy and sell chopper bikes.
I’ve been so inspired that I want to help you in this, because BBC Children in Need is such a wonderful charity
Sir Tom Hunter
“I’ve been so inspired that I want to help you in this, because BBC Children in Need is such a wonderful charity. It helps so many people who need a wee hand up, and not a hand down
“Here’s the deal. For your ‘Chopper Challenge’ – from today, if any members of the Great British public want to make a donation, be it £5 – the Hunter Foundation will donate £5 as well.
“If they want to donate £50, their donation becomes £100. We’re going to do that, right up to £2 million.
“I know the last bit is the hardest – hopefully that’ll get you over the line and get the Great British public donating. All the very best.”
Paddy — who left Ecclefechan, Lanarkshire, just before 7am today— was moved to tears when he heard the news, said: “That is so incredibly generous.
“I cannot wait to get to bed tonight so we are up at the crack of dawn, we’re on that bike, and we are going to get as much money as we can. That is absolutely mind-blowing, so generous.
“Thank you so much for that. Amazing. That’s given me a proper lift.
“The Hunter Foundation are literally going to double your money. Whatever you put in, whether it’s 50p, £50, whatever. They’re going to double it.
“Please, you’ve got to donate. Donate anything while we’ve got this offer.
That is so incredibly generous… Thank you so much for that. Amazing. That’s given me a proper lift
Paddy McGuinness
“That’s blown me away. It’s too much for my mind to take in to be honest.”
Grace from the One Show Challenge Squad joned Paddy for the latest stage.
The Challenge Squad is made up of four inspirational young people who have benefitted from BBC Children in Need funding.
Grace, 19, from Glasgow, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma just days after her 16th birthday.
MOVE, a BBC Children in Need supported charity, worked with her to access the benefits of exercise following her surgery and chemotherapy.
Paddy McGuinness smashes the longest leg of 300-mile bike ride
JUST two days into his Radio 2 Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge for Children in Need, Paddy McGuinness has captured the hearts of the nation.
On Monday night, Paddy finished the longest leg of his ride, pedalling almost 68 miles on his Raleigh chopper, Patch, from Preston to Kendal in the Lake District.
And it’s fair to say, he is pooped. “Whenever I see a red light, I’m delighted,” he joked from the road, adding: “I’ve got a blister on my right bum cheek.”
But the support of fans along the route has kept him going.
He said of his ride so far: “I don’t think there was a bit where there wasn’t somebody on the road.
“It started getting dark and people were still lining the streets, and I just thought, who gets a chance to do this?
“And you’ve got the added bonus of raising money for Children in Need at the same time. So I feel really lucky and really privileged.”
To get behind him and donate, head to bbc.co.uk/paddy.
Paddy will finish his journey in Glasgow tomorrow (FRI).
He has so far raised more than £3.3million.
Fans praised Hunter for his decision to double donations.
One said: “I’ve just donated £50, you’re awesome, what a crazy day you’re having.
“Sending much love and admiration, such amazing generosity from The Hunter Foundation.”
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Another added: “Just donated listening to Paddy, fighting back the tears and it made me so emotional too.
“I’ve just donated £10 which just makes me feel joyous knowing it’s now £20. Go Paddy you’re a legend over and over.”
