Tom Hunter matches Paddy McGuinness Children in Need ride donations

The charity founded by Scottish businessman and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter has said it will match the donations made by people to Paddy McGuinness’s BBC Children in Need challenge.

The TV personality and BBC Radio 2 presenter is taking part in a five-day ultra-endurance challenge where he is cycling 300 miles from Wrexham in Wales to the finish line in Glasgow.

The Hunter Foundation has announced that for every pound donated to McGuinness’s challenge from Wednesday onwards it will match the amount – up to a maximum of £3m.

The former Top Gear and Take Me Out host has so far cycled more than 200 miles and raised more than £4m for the charity.

McGuinness is currently on day four of his challenge, cycling on his dream childhood bike – the Raleigh Chopper – from Ecclefechan to Strathaven.

Day four has been described as his “toughest day” as he navigates through Dumfriesshire into Lanarkshire on “tricky rural terrain”.

Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy has joined him on the latest stage of his journey.

BBC Radio 2 host Sara Cox originally revealed the news to McGuinness on Wednesday evening that the Hunter Foundation would match the amount donated by the public up to a maximum of £2m.

However, on Thursday afternoon Sir Tom told the BBC: “I reckon the nation has taken you to their hearts.”

“It’s incredible listening to Radio 2 and the effort you’re putting in on that chopper.

“I also was told our matched funding up to £2m has almost been taken up – so the Great British public is really taking this on.

“What I want to announce now to get you over the line in Glasgow, Paddy, is that the Hunter Foundation is increasing that to £3m now.”

Responding on BBC Radio 2, McGuinness said he needs to meet the Scottish entrepreneur and “give him the hug of his life”.

He described it as an “amazing gesture”.

Sir Tom, from New Cumnock in East Ayrshire, started in business selling trainers from the back of a van but eventually built a property and equity business once valued at more than £1bn.

He continues to invest in companies, as well as running his charity, the Hunter Foundation, which he and his wife Marion established in 1998.

It has previously donated money to STV Children’s Appeal, the University of Strathclyde, Kiltwalk and Comic Relief.

Last month, Mr Hunter was revealed as the private citizen who paid for the plane flying Alex Salmond’s body home from North Macedonia.

It was understood the flight was paid for by his own funds, not through his foundation.

BBC Children in Need will air at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Friday November 15.