Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly was "in bits" as she shared a heartfelt message about her husband Vernon Kay's charity race.
BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon is in the middle of a tough 115-mile ultramarathon to raise funds for Children In Need. He kicked off his journey at Victoria Park in Leicester and aims to finish at Bolton Wanderers stadium in his hometown of Bolton by Friday night. So far, he's managed to raise over £1.2 million for various Children In Need charities.
The entire event has been broadcast live on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, with fans showing their support through fellow presenters. Tess expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of love on her Instagram Stories: "You might have heard that Vernon is doing an ultra ultramarathon for Children In Need which is basically 115 miles in four days... I just want to say thank you for your support."
Tess has been supporting her husband on his ultra marathon
The radio host broke down in tears when he was sent a message from a listener (Instagram/ @bbcradio2)"It honestly means so much because he needs it to keep him going, he didn't sleep much last night, his knees [are] hurting. He's never run more than eight miles before so this is epic. So thank you and thank you for all your lovely messages to me as well and your support because I'm in bits. I just want him to do it and complete this challenge. I know he will. Thanks very much. Go Vernon!"
Tess later commented on a video shared by BBC Radio 2 showing Vernon receive a message of support from a particular listener that has sent him letters over the years. The dance show host said the clip "made me weep". Barbara sent her message to Richie Anderson - who is covering Vernon's Radio 2 show - and said: "Hello, Vernon. It's Barbara. Now I just wanted to send you lots and lots of encouragement, on running your ultra ultramarathon.
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"Wow. But I know you can do it. Now if it gets tough, just think of all the smiling faces of the children you're helping. I'm so proud of you. Now I wish I could be there to cheer you on, but I shall be there in spirit. So, just lift up those feet and keep going. And I'm sending you lots of hugs, take care."
As soon as Vernon heard that it was Barbara he was overcome with emotion and burst into tears. When Richie asked if Vernon was okay, Vernon took a moment to compose himself before he explained the support she had given him since he joined the radio. He said: "That's Barbara who wrote me a letter after I had been on air for a month and she said, 'thank you for bringing an old lady into the light'. It has had a massive effect on me that letter. That's probably one of the most heartfelt letters anyone could ever write.
"Barbara represents so many people in Great Britain who feel like they're either homebound or just a little bit trapped. When she wrote that letter... all we do on the radio is talk and we try and relate to people. God bless you Barbara, thank you very much for your message it means a lot."
He told Richie: "Oh that's done me that. I didn't want to cry until Friday." Vernon went on: "We've got so many special people associated with this show."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to webhomepage@mirror.co.uk
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