Paddy McGuinness needs 'weeks in a dark room' as late grandfather remembered after epic Children in Need challenge

Paddy McGuinness has said he needs 'weeks in a dark room' to be able to comprehend his mammoth efforts to raise money for Children in Need. There were tears of joy and relief as the TV and radio star finished his charity cycle ride from Wales to Scotland.

The comedian and former Top Gear presenter began his treacherous journey on Monday (November 11) at Wrexham AFC’s Racecourse Ground, and described how Glasgow was "lit up in sunshine" as he approached the finish line in the city on Friday morning (November 15).

The 51-year-old undertook the 300 miles of Radio 2’s Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge on his dream childhood bike, the Raleigh Chopper, with his bike painted in the colours of the charity’s mascot, Pudsey.

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Just before 9am he was surprised with a visit from Sir Tom Hunter who has pledged to match every donation up to £3 million through the Hunter Foundation. So far more than £7.5 million has been raised for Children In Need, without Sir Tom's donation added.

Crowds of people lined the city streets and cheered him on as he cycled towards BBC Scotland’s Pacific Quay headquarters, arriving at 10.28am. He was welcomed by Zoe Ball, who was presenting a live broadcast of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show in the foyer.

As he arrived he said: "I can’t believe it. Coming out of East Kilbride and I were looking at Glasgow, and it was lit up in sunshine. And the streets were lined, I had Sir Tom at the side of me as well. I came around the corner there, what a sight, what a feeling, thank you so much everybody. Wow."

Upon finishing the epic challenge, Paddy continued: "Every morning when I woke up everything was aching and it was always dark and cold but I've been saying it for the last few days, when you get on the bike, and you get on the road and everyone comes out it just spurs you on.

"Even though we're filming stuff and putting things on social media; until you're actually in that moment, I will never be able to get it across fully what it felt like. All the different sounds, all the cities, all the communities. Everyone came out and everyone were together for something.

"And all those faces, all the kids, all the nurseries, all the primary schools, all drawing pictures of Patch - none of them had a clue who I were - but it was just so beautiful to see and the streets were lined with people. Honestly it's a moment in time I'll take with me to my grave. I'll never ever forget it. It's been amazing."

Later, Paddy, as he celebrated his epic feat with Zoe and the Radio 2 team, was given a medal tracked down by Radio 2's Vernon Kay and his listeners. Earlier this year, when Paddy was on BBC's Who Do You Think You Are? it was revealed that Paddy's grandfather, William McGuinness, joined the Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regiment in 1891 and was later given a medal for his service which they showed on the programme.

As Paddy was presented with that medal he added: "That is amazing - thank you, oh my! Wow, look at that everybody! Oh my days, honestly!" It's then when he added: "I'm going to need a couple of weeks in a dark room to process everything."