Zoe Ball has said that the death of her boyfriend Billy Yates in May last year is what’s spurring her on in her gruelling Sports Relief challenge.
Despite falling into a ditch, and feeling in a lot of pain during her five-day cycling stint, the TV presenter is soldiering on saying: ‘Help is really needed for people suffering from mental illness.’
The mum-of-two will finish her journey at Brighton Pier on the fifth and final day of the awareness campaign, but it hasn’t been without its challenges.
Reflecting on her experience to date, she said: ‘This morning was brutal. It was almost an out-of-body experience but the people along the way are so amazing and full of love.’
Speaking fondly of her Billy, the TV star confided: ‘I really wanted to do something and find some hope for people that are living with mental illness, to help others find some help and see there are great projects out there.’
She added, ‘In 2016 – over 6,000 people died by suicide. Help is really, really needed.’
With Mother’s Day swiftly approaching, Zoe welcomed a message from her son as she came to the end of the challenge.
Confessing she was reduced to tears when she received a text message from her son Woody, she said, ‘His support meant the world.’
Ball has been cycling more than 300 miles in just five days, from her birthplace of Blackpool to her hometown of Brighton, to raise awareness for the cause.
Way to go Zoe… everyone is rooting for you!
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