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Greg James and Joe Lycett set off on Red Nose Day 'longest ride' from Birmingham following donation match boost 'up to £1m'

Radio 1 presenter Greg James and Birmingham comic Joe Lycett’s Longest Ride for Red Nose Day has received a huge boost with every new donation matched up to £1million.

By Kirsty-Louise Card
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The match, which is the biggest boost to the ride so far, was announced shortly after the DJ managed to raise £210,215 on his journey so far as he set off on day four from Birmingham's Mailbox with comedian Joe Lycett on the back of the tandem. 

From his start line in Weymouth on March 13, James has a long four days to go before he reaches the finish line in Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on Red Nose Day (March 20). 

Greg James with Greg Rutherford (L) and Katie Thistleton reacts after he finds out a well-wisher will match all donations during the Radio 1 Longest Ride challenge for Comic Relief at Lichfield fire station
Greg James with Greg Rutherford (L) and Katie Thistleton reacts after he finds out a well-wisher will match all donations during the Radio 1 Longest Ride challenge for Comic Relief at Lichfield fire station

Greg arrived into Edgbaston Cricket Ground last night at the end of Day Three, where crowds gathered to welcome him over the finish line at a venue he often described as one of his favourite in the world. In honour of the challenge, the famous cricket ground was temporarily renamed “Gregbaston”.

Speaking at his pit stop at Lichfield Fire Station this morning (March 16), Greg said: “The donations are honestly what’s keeping me going. Hearing the total this morning completely blew my mind, I had no idea it had climbed so high while I’ve been on the bike. It’s overwhelming in the best way."

Greg James during an interview at the finish line during the Radio 1 Longest Ride challenge for Comic Relief on March 14, 2026 in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales.
Greg James during an interview at the finish line during the Radio 1 Longest Ride challenge for Comic Relief on March 14, 2026 in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales.

“I can feel the support out on the road, but seeing it come through in the donations is something else entirely. I’m so grateful to everyone who’s getting behind this.”  

Despite Greg beginning to feel the toll of the challenge now, the mood was lifted by Birmingham’s much loved funny man, Joe Lycett, who appointed himself an ‘unofficial tour guide’.

Greg James and Joe Lycett ahead of riding a tandem bike during the Radio 1 Longest Ride challenge for Comic Relief at The Mailbox on March 16, 2026 in Birmingham, England
Greg James and Joe Lycett ahead of riding a tandem bike during the Radio 1 Longest Ride challenge for Comic Relief at The Mailbox on March 16, 2026 in Birmingham, England

 Joe pointed out Birmingham’s finest sights from the back of the tandem, as they cycled out of the city together. His energy and comedy commentary gave Greg a much‑needed vibe boost to help him push through what could be one of the toughest days of the challenge so far, both mentally and physically.

Watch the LIVE stream here: 

 After his ride, Joe Lycett said: “It was an honour to support my friend Greg on this unbelievable challenge. I’m so proud of him and the people of Birmingham and beyond for their incredible support. I was on the bike for only an hour or so, but the chafing will last a lifetime.” 

James' total up to £1million will be matched by The Hunter Foundation to help people facing tough times. Reacting to he news, the presenter said: "To find out that The Hunter Foundation are matching every new donation up to £1 million… that’s just incredible. It means every pound people give instantly doubles, which will make a massive difference to the charities Comic Relief supports. Thank you so much to Sir Tom Hunter for such unbelievable generosity. "

Greg James (R) rides a tandem bike with guests during the Radio 1 Longest Ride challenge for Comic Relief on March 16, 2026 in Kings Bromley, England.
Greg James (R) rides a tandem bike with guests during the Radio 1 Longest Ride challenge for Comic Relief on March 16, 2026 in Kings Bromley, England.

In a message to the Radio 1 star, Sir Tom Hunter, founder of The Hunter Foundation said: “I’ve been watching what Greg is doing for Comic Relief - amazing initiative at a time when the need is so great. We need the good news Greg brings and the inspiration and determination he offers, and the public truly get that. 

"So, to help Greg with this challenge and the thousands of people this will support, The Hunter Foundation is going to match all new donations up to £1 million. We’re proud to support him and I hope everyone gets behind Greg and make a real difference to those most in need. Good luck Greg, the whole country is cheering you on." 

To donate visit the Comic Relief website.