DJ Greg James arrives in Sunderland on his ‘Longest Ride’

Greg set off on his sixth day of the ‘Longest Ride’ from York this morning (Wednesday, March 18), powering through the likes of Stokesley, Blackhall, Horden, Seaham, Ryhope, and the gruelling North Yorkshire Moors.

Crowds gathered all along the route to cheer him on, but no crowd was a match for the Mackem welcome he received as he arrived into Sunderland – his final stop for the day.

Crowds cheered him on through the North East towns. (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

The DJ arrived into Sunderland just after 5pm to loud cheers from supporters.

Dismounting his bike, he said: “Hello Sunderland!

“I’m overwhelmed and I’m knackered – what a day that was.”

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He described the journey through the moors as particularly challenging, saying: “That bit in the Yorkshire Moors, I really nearly cracked, I really did, I don’t know how I’m still going, actually.”

Jennifer Wale, who travelled to Sunderland to see him cross the day six finish line said: “He was cycling along and we were running to get to him, then the camera van stopped, and he almost went into the back of it.”

Danielle Summers from Sunderland, who was enjoying a glass of wine at the finish line said: “If I could say one thing to Greg, it would be to just keep listening to Radio 1 and everyone that is spurring you on.”

Danielle Summers and Claire Porter cheered on Greg at the Sunderland finish line. (Image: Will Foxx)

The BBC announced his current total at more £1.6m so far.

Claire Porter from Seaham praised his determination despite personal challenges.

She said: “He actually drove past where I live, but I was at work.

“I work in a school and the kids were like ‘that’s easy’ – I told them, no it’s not!

“To push through everything that’s going on with his Dad is just amazing.”

Another fan, Judith English, brought along her therapy dog to the finish line.

Kay Robinson with dog Cooper, and Judith English with her therapy dog Bonnie. (Image: Will Foxx)

She said: “It’s phenomenal, Bonnie is a therapy dog who I’ve brought along to give Greg some TLC.”

Kay Robinson, a teacher from Middlesbrough, also showed her support.

She said: “I think it’s amazing.

“Our school was on the Breakfast Quiz and he was so lovely off-air, my sister died two weeks before Christmas and she donated five organs to people on waiting lists – he was so supportive of me so I’m here to support him.”

The eight-day challenge saw the DJ set off from the South Coast on March 13, and sees him riding through England and Wales before crossing the finish line on Red Nose Day, March 20.

Greg sets off today from Sunderland on his next leg to Galashiels, on the Scottish borders, before cycling his last leg up to Edinburgh on his last day.