Tess Daly has told fans she is 'absolutely gutted' as her husband Vernon Kay got a hero's welcome after completing his epic challenge for Children In Need. BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon took on an ultra ultramarathon to raise money for the charity that helps improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people around the UK.
The 49-year-old started his 115-mile ultramarathon on Tuesday (November 14) at Victoria Park in Leicester and before ended up in his hometown of Bolton at the Bolton Wanderers stadium four days later.
Vernon arrived in Bolton just after 9.30am on Friday, before running into the Bolton Wanderers football stadium at 10am to be greeted by cheerleaders, a brass band and a huge crowd of fans who had applied to be there to see him cross the finish line. Children In Need's iconic Pudsey Bear also whooped and cheered his arrival.
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Vernon's mum and dad, Gladys and Norm, and family and friends were also in there to welcome him home and Vernon was in tears as he hugged them at the stadium. But wife Tess had earlier said she was "absolutely gutted" not to be at the finish line due to filming Strictly Come Dancing in Blackpool.
Sharing a screengrab of their last FaceTime call before his completed his challenge on Instagram, Tess wrote to her 851,000 followers: "Absolutely gutted not to be at the finish line not to cheer you on today @vernonkay! (am at Strictly) BUT what a moment, what an achievement, I am SO PROUD of what you’ve done!"
The Stockport-born presenter went on to say: "I can see in your body that it’s taken a physical toll but I know that it won’t matter right now, as the total of over 3 MILLION raised for Children In Need @bbcin is just incredible, and the generosity and support shown by everyone that has so kindly donated and those who have come out to support you along the way has been beyond wonderful and I know it’s kept you going (and me too), love you to bits Vern, you’ve got this!!"
She has seen reshared the videos and picture from BBC Radio 2 of Vernon crossing the finish line where it was revealed he's made more than £4 million so far. And her fans and followers were quick to share their praise and support.
@jane_ord said: "He's a superhero. What an amazing achievement for a fabulous cause. He'll go down in the CIN history books." @ruthieroozzz commented: "I can imagine you are so proud. Lots of love to you all!!!!! What an amazing day. Well done V and team v (which I think we all feel part of)."
@gayle_x_ wrote: "AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING VERN ! Everyone so proud of you." @greenie2407 replied: "We all love you Vern. You are an absolute inspiration!" @mrs_catherine_g added: "What a hero! You must be bursting with pride."
