Owain Wyn Evans received a message in Welsh from the Princess of Wales on the final day of his Children in Need challenge, leaving the Radio 2 DJ almost speechless.
The 42-year-old broadcaster was completing the last leg of his 400-mile journey, which has taken him through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales. He finished his epic ride in Cardiff on Friday, having raised more than £3m for good causes supported by Children in Need.
Princess of Wales sends personal message
During Sara Cox's Radio 2 show on Friday morning, the Princess of Wales surprised Evans with a message in Welsh. She said: "Bore da Owain. Mae'n Catherine. Rwyt ti'n gwneud mor dda. Dalia ati. Rwy'n dymuno'r gorau i ti gyd."
The message translates as: "Hi Owain, it's Catherine, you're doing so well. Keep going! Wishing you all the very best!"
A speechless Evans responded: "Oh my goodness, oh wow. The pronunciation was perfect! It was great! That's just incredible. It's amazing. Thank you. Thank you, Your Highness. What a thing."
He added: "Every message I hear - I've got Radio 2 on all day - every one that's read out and played, they go straight into my ears and straight to my heart. So thank you everyone."
Support from Queen's Roger Taylor
Earlier in the show, Evans received a message of support from Queen star Roger Taylor, who said: "Hi Owain, this is Roger Taylor here. Congratulations on your final day of an incredible challenge. As a fellow drummer, I know you'll know this: the final song is the one that stays with everyone, the one that the crowd takes home and remembers."
Taylor added: "So, one more day, Owain, and one more song, you're doing so well. Dig deep. And I'm going to say: Don't Stop Me Now, remember that. Look out for a Queen festive treat on Monday. Good luck!"
On hearing the message, Evans, who is also a drummer, said: "Oh my gosh and he… he said my name, do you know what I mean? Roger Taylor!"
Shania Twain backs named bike
Evans' bike was named Shania Chain, with other suggestions from BBC Radio 2 listeners including Áine Bike, Britney Gears and Kylie Spinogue. Shania Twain was so impressed the bike had been named after her that she sent Evans a message of good luck before he began the challenge.
She said: "Hi Owain, Shania Twain here! You're about to take on an incredible challenge for BBC Children In Need, cycling 400 miles through all four nations. As you set off in Glasgow, I just want to say: 'Let's Go, Owain!' We'll be cheering you on all the way. Good luck!"
Full details on how to donate can be found at bbc.co.uk/owain.
