Radio 1 DJ Greg James forced to abandon Sport Relief cycle due to snowy weather

He hopes to be able to complete his challenge in the coming weeks

Abandoned: Greg James was forced to stop his challenge due to the white weather

Ed Smith / Comic Relief Ltd

Natasha Sporn2 March 2018

Radio 1 DJ Greg James has been forced to abandon his Sport Relief cycle challenge due to the snowy weather.

James, 32, had been “peddling to the peaks” – already conquering Mount Snowdon and Scafell Pike – but was left unable to continue and climb Ben Nevis on Friday due to the inclement conditions.

Storm Emma swept in earlier this week and has left most of the UK in freezing temperatures, with the snowfall in Scotland being particularly treacherous – including a red warning for parts of the country.

James revealed the news on BBC Radio 1 and later posted on his Instagram about what had happened, alongside a picture of himself embracing team captain Professor Greg Whyte.

He wrote: “I'm gutted. Truly. I did my absolute best. I gave it everything but after 200 miles of cycling and 2 mountains, I’m stranded in Scotland and the weather got the better of us. I wanted to keep going SO much but it was just too dangerous.

“More importantly though, I think it turned into something much bigger than just a bike ride and some mountains. The overall message of the challenge encouraged our incredible loyal listeners to come forward and feel less scared to open up and talk about their mental health and I couldn’t be happier with the impact we have all made.

James thanked his fellow broadcasters for their help and support, as well as praising the response of the public to his challenge with kind messages and donations.

Emotionally, he continued his post: “No one can conquer anything on their own, it needs a team, and I battle through my demons successfully because I’m part of one of a brilliant one so I hope you have yours and if not, are encouraged to find one.

“It all starts with a conversation and we have hopefully kicked off something that will live on. If you’ve taken one thing away from this week, please let it be...TALK. OPEN UP and realise that true strength is being able to talk about your weaknesses.”

Ending with the hashtag #gregathlon, James revealed that the challenge isn’t over and he hopes to complete it within the next couple of weeks.