Coffee, history and smiles as Paddy enjoys Ferry ‘Cross the Mersey during Children in Need cycle challenge

The world-famous Mersey Ferries are no stranger to our TV screens but when Paddy McGuinness set foot on the Royal Iris of the Mersey last week with a BBC film crew in tow it was a very special moment for both the Ferries team and the much-loved celebrity.

The actor, comedian and presenter took the Ferry ‘Cross the Mersey last Monday as part of his epic £9m charity chopper ride for Children in Need.

Leaving Wrexham only hours earlier, the Phoenix Nights, Take Me Out star and Radio 2 presenter still had four days of his 300-mile Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge to go – through the gruelling hills of Lancashire, Westmorland, Cumberland, Dumfriesshire and Lanarkshire before reaching his destination in Glasgow.

He was already grateful for the warm Liverpool City Region welcome and a ‘lovely cappuccino’ on the ferry to keep him going as he took the River Explorer service on a sunny afternoon from Seacombe to Liverpool.

Pudsey Bear and 60 primary school children greeted Paddy at Pier Head singing Yellow Submarine before he resumed his ride north – waving to cheering crowds through the Liverpool City Region and into Lancashire.

Paddy said:

“The thing is about standing here on this ferry, you look at the skyline there, it’s so iconic. It’s a pleasure to be a part of, and they’ve given me a lovely cappuccino, which is keeping me going.

“I’ve been on the Mersey Ferry a few times over the years, and it’s always a treat. It’s a floating bit of history, isn’t it? I was talking to a lady when I got on it and she said her dad used to skipper on these for 27 years, so it was just nice talking to her and getting a sense of that family history.

“This is a lovely bit of the trip. You can chill out, have a nice coffee and enjoy the views. I’ve done 30 miles and I’ve got 270 to go so onwards and upwards.

“Starting on a day like this, it’s been a godsend, it’s been lovely and everyone’s been coming out to support me as soon as I got to Liverpool as a knew they would. Everyone’s  come out, got behind me, wishing me the best, and it just spurs me on.”

Paddy reached Glasgow on his customised Raleigh Chopper on Friday morning – hours ahead of the live BBC Children in Need broadcast. His efforts raised more than £9m, and he was cheered on by thousands of people along the way.

A special BBC One programme called ‘Paddy: The Ride of My Life’ chronicled the fundraising journey and was aired on Tuesday 19 November.