Vernon Kay breaks down in tears live on air as he says 'pass the tissues'

Vernon Kay was so moved by a touching message from a radio listener that he found himself asking for tissues live on air.

Paddy McGuiness is attempting to cycle from Wrexham to Glasgow in an effort to raise funds for BBC Children in Need, with the mammoth challenge set to end on Friday, November 15.

Close friend Vernon, who's on hosting duties for the show tomorrow, has been drumming up support for the Top Gear host on his Radio 2 show as he reaches the final stages.

On today's show, Vernon read out a touching text message from listener 'Nanny Gwyneth', who had decided to send a donation to the appeal on behalf of her grandchildren.

But Vernon was quick to point out that the sweet message had "got" him and he had to ask for some tissues before describing the listener's words as hitting the "nail on the head".

Vernon said: "'Hey, Vern. What an inspiration and such a lovely person. Paddy's doing an amazing challenge.

"I'm donating £30 on behalf of my three gorgeous grandsons, Joshua, Oliver and Thomas, as even though they're only young, I want to share this message with them to inspire them to always think of...'"

At this point, Vernon paused: "There you go. You've got me now, Nanny Gwyneth. Oh gosh." Audibly choking up, he then continued the heartwarming message: "'I want them to know that it's easy to inspire and think of others when they're old enough to understand'.

"My gosh, Nanny Gwyneth; you've done me there. I wasn't expecting that slap in the face with a big wet kipper. Phil, pass the tissues. Nanny Gwyneth, you've literally hit the nail on the head. It's so easy, so easy to think of others. It really is."

Vernon then thanked the listener before describing it as an "absolute beauty" and highlighted that she was teaching her grandchildren to "simply be kind".

Paddy has embarked on the 300-mile journey from Wrexham AFC to Glasgow on a Raleigh Chopper as part of the Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge.

The 51-year-old TV star was moved to tears today after radio host Zoe Ball disclosed that he'd secured more than £1m in donations through his work, with the total surpassing £3m in the 24 hours after.

On Zoe Ball’s breakfast show, Paddy said: “We’re just starting the day off and we’re over £3 million... Wow, I keep saying this because it’s the strangest thing, I’m absolutely in bits physically and emotionally but I will miss this, I will miss this positivity, this feeling of love that everyone’s getting behind Children in Need.”

You can donate to Paddy's challenge here.