Greg James arrives in York for epic Comic Relief challenge

The BBC Radio 1 DJ has taken on his most enduring challenge yet: the Longest Ride, which will see him covering 1,000km from Weymouth to Edinburgh.

Starting on Friday (March 13), Greg has cycled the arduous route up north, arriving to a celebrating crowd at Central Hall on the University of York’s campus today (Tuesday, March 17).

He was joined by the Prince of Wales earlier this afternoon, who accompanied him on his tandem bike across the South Yorkshire countryside.

Prince William confirmed that Greg had smashed his fundraising targets for Comic Relief, which now exceed £1 million.

After a lengthy cycling journey, the pair parted ways before Greg arrived in York shortly before 5pm.

Upon making it to his final destination of the day, the DJ was greeted by hundreds of enthusiastic students and staff, many of whom adorned themselves in Long Boi masks – cheering Greg on with signs and kazoos.

The very tall, very special duck stole Greg’s heart after he revealed international attention for his disappearance in 2023.

In the years that followed, Greg has unveiled a bronze statue of Long Boi and officiated his funeral, which was attended by 700 people and listened to by 4.4 million Radio 1 listeners.

University official Gemma Vessey explained: “Greg has always been vocal about the importance of not taking life too seriously.

“Long Boi was a reminder of the beauty of this, and hence, York is a pivotal spot during Greg’s challenge.”

Student union representative Kaitlyn Beattie-Zarb added: “We can’t compete with Prince William, we can’t compete with the Red Arrows, but what we can do is bring out a student body of ducks and face masks, kazoos and lean into the silliness and the fun of it all.”

Stopping to speak to the media after his arrival, Greg praised the huge crowd that showed up to support him and Comic Relief.

He said: “There was a bit of a low this morning, then the sun came out.

“All it took was for the future king to turn up and I thought, you know what, maybe I can do this.”

Paying tribute to Long Boi, he said: “He is forever in our hearts, obviously, but thanks so much to everyone for turning up – it means so much.”

Greg will continue his journey up north tomorrow, passing through Wigginton, Sutton-on-the-Forest and Stillington before reaching the North York Moors National Park.

You can track him and keep up-to-date with his challenge by heading to www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday/challenges/greg/.