Paddy: The Ride of My Life — release date, interview and everything we know

“It’s become very real very quickly! I did 31 miles the other day, which I'm told in dog years is 60 miles, and I'm going to try and do 40 today. 

“When you're out training on your own it can be quite demoralising, but then someone will shout ‘Keep it up’ or beep their horn and wave and it gives you a lift. If I’ve got people cheering me on, as difficult as it is, it will drive me. I'm a confidence player, as they say in football!”

“I don’t actually know the full route yet! I know we’re starting in Wrexham (Paddy started on November 11) and hopefully finishing in Glasgow. My only concern at the minute is trying to get as many miles under my belt on the Chopper so that, no matter what, I’ll be ready.”

“I'll use the word ‘customised’ very loosely! Essentially it's a normal Chopper with a racing bike saddle and the gears have been moved from between my legs to the handle. It’s due more tweaks, as it’s not made for this kind of distance, but I love it - I always wanted a Chopper as a kid! My younger self would be jealous!”

“Yes, when I’m out training a lot of kids love it because it's yellow, the unusual iconic Chopper shape and it’s got all the Children in Need stuff on it. I want people to have their photo taken with it when we're out on the road, it’s the star of the show.”

“I've not gone full mammal yet, but I'm slowly building up to it! I’ve got myself a Winter cycling bib, which looks like really tight dungarees. I had them on when I did the 31-miler and they felt… I wouldn't say ‘amazing’, but compared to bog standard shorts with no padding, they were heaven. I'm glad I’m on the bike though, because I pass by people before they can actually see what I'm wearing!”

[Laughing] “I woke up to a message from Sir Chris Hoy the other morning saying, ‘I’ve got your bum butter.’ Now that’s a message you’d never normally get from a Knight of the Realm! So, yeah, now I’ve to go round to his house and pick it up. 

“Vernon Kay [who raised £6 million for Children in Need with an ultramarathon challenge last year] has been invaluable too. Anytime I panic about it, I message him and he gets straight back to me.”

“That I've bitten off more than I can chew and I’m not going to be able to do this! I’m trying to put it to the back of my mind, keep myself strong psychologically, crack on with the training and try to avoid injuries. I’m going to give it my all and try my best.”

“I’ve met a couple of young people who directly benefit from Children in Need projects, and that’s very powerful motivation. When it’s cold, wet and horrendous during training, they pop into my head and I know why I’m doing this.