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Radio 1 DJ Greg James takes on the most punishing day of his challenge yet - 152km through remote terrain as he pushes for Scotland
Radio 1’s Jamie Laing joined Greg on the saddle in full bridal lingerie
He has now raised over £2.2 million for Red Nose Day with the total still rising
Emotional scenes in Sunderland yesterday as he was given a hero’s welcome by crowds at the finish
Money raised for Red Nose Day could help people to eat, sleep safely, and live without fear. It can help put food on tables, roofs over heads and provide safety to those facing the toughest times of their lives
Red Nose Day is on Friday 20 March
Listeners can tune in to Radio 1 and Morning Live every day to follow Greg’s progress, as well as watch the livestream here (opens in new window)
To see the full route and support Greg, visit: comicrelief.com/ride (opens in new window)
Greg’s final finish at Murrayfield Stadium will play out in front of a live audience with tickets available here (opens in new window)
Thursday 19 March: Greg James is now within reach of his Edinburgh finish, but today could decide whether he gets there at all. After nearly a week on the road, the physical toll is undeniable, and it’s today’s distance and terrain that will take this challenge to the next level.
On Greg’s penultimate day, fellow Radio 1 presenter Jamie Laing joined him on the saddle in full bridal lingerie bringing a very different kind of support to an otherwise punishing stage of this eight-day Longest Ride Challenge for Red Nose Day. The moment comes full circle after Greg joined Jamie in a wedding dress during his own Red Nose challenge last year. Jamie is no stranger to endurance tests, having completed a remarkable 150-mile ultra marathon from London to Salford for Red Nose Day in 2025.
Speaking after his tandem escapade Jamie said: “It was funny and inspiring. Greg is doing such a great job. He’s a beacon that is doing it all, and I'm sure would agree it’s the team behind him, the radio 1 listeners and public who are the real superheroes because they are the ones donating to raise this incredible amount of money. The whole thing was awesome in every way. I loved every second of it, and I loved being in lingerie. I might wear it again!”
Greg James commented: “He looked fantastic. Although it took some time to get used to! Fair play for turning up and dressing up like that. It put a real smile on my face in what has been a really tough day in the saddle.”
Today, on day seven, Greg faces 152 kilometres across one of the most demanding routes of the challenge which includes long exposed stretches and sustained climbs that will test both his legs and his resolve. With the end in sight, this is the stage where small setbacks can quickly become bigger ones.
After six relentless days on the road, Greg arrived in Sunderland to emotional finish, as crowds gathered to welcome him over the line. He was given a hero’s welcome before being met by his sister and niece with much needed hugs and a shoulder to cry on.
Today is a very different prospect, the focus is simply on getting through the distance. Greg will ride through Medburn, Newcastle and Otterburn before attempting to cross into Scotland and reach Galashiels. It’s the penultimate stage, and one of the most physically demanding.
An emotional and candid Greg speaking before he set-off towards the Scottish boarder said: “I’m so broken. I’m feeling rotten today but we go again. I’m so lucky to have my friends and family around me, that’s why I have been smiling on that bike even when I haven’t wanted to. I've had all those people in my head that really look after me when I need it, and there are lots of people that don’t have those people when they need it. That’s why I wanted to do this, that’s why I'm going to complete this. ”
And that’s why support today matters more than ever. Because while Greg continues to push on, the impact is already clear. More than £2.2 million has been raised so far - smashing through the £2 million mark and still climbing - helping to fund projects supporting people facing incredibly tough situations, both here in the UK and around the world. From putting food on tables and providing safe places to sleep, to helping people live without fear, the money raised will go towards the basic essentials that everyone should have.
With one final push to go, every donation now matters. Supporters are encouraged to get behind Greg, whether that’s donating, tuning in or showing up along the route.
Alongside regular Radio 1 check-ins, Greg’s journey is being livestreamed on Radio 1’s Youtube (opens in new window)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(opens in new window).
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 (opens in new window)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
