Tess Daly has said she is 'in bits' as she shared her thanks to those supporting her husband Vernon Kay in his epic challenge before she watched him break down in tears. BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon is halfway through his exhausting challenge to help raise cash for Children In Need.
The Bolton-born started his 115-mile ultramarathon on Tuesday - which he aims to complete by Friday night when the Children In Need appeal show airs its annual telethon on BBC One. He started his challenge at Victoria Park in Leicester and aims to finish in his hometown of Bolton at Bolton Wanderers stadium.
At the time of writing, Vernon had helped raise more than £1.2 million for the various Children In Need charities as he completed day two of his ultramarathon, meaning he'd so far racked up 67 miles in running distance.
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Vernon’s ultramarathon will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds with viewers able to leave messages of support through their regular shows hosted by other BBC presenters to keep him motivated and among those, of course, showing their support is Vernon's wife, Tess.
Taking to her Instagram Story, the Strictly Come Dancing host spoke directly to the camera and said: "You might have heard that Vernon is doing an ultra ultramathon for Children In Need which is basically 115 miles in four days... I just want to say thank you for your support.
"It honestly means so much because he needs it to keep him going, he didn't sleep much last night, his knees 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, from Stockport, was then seen commenting on an emotional video shared by BBC Radio 2 showing the moment Vernon received a message of support from an avid listener who previously wrote a 'heartfelt' letter to him when he first took over Ken Bruce's show on the station.
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. 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 Ritchie asked if Vernon was okay, Vernon took a moment to compose himself before he explained: "That’s Barbara who wrote me a letter after I’d been on air for a month.
"And she said thank you for bringing an old lady into the light. And it’s had a massive effect on me that letter. It’s probably one of the most heartfelt letters anyone could ever write..." He remarked: "Oh that’s done me that. I didn’t want to cry until Friday." Vernon continued: "We’ve got so many special people associated with this show.
"And Barbara, I think, Barbara represents so many people in Great Britain who feel like they’re, you know, either homebound or just a little bit trapped. But when she wrote that letter - all we do on the radio is just talk and we try and relate to people and, oh man, you’ve done me there, proper done me. But yeah, God bless you Barbara, thank you very much for your message it means a lot."
And after seeing the video of the tear-jerking moment, Tess commented: "Made me weep.All the more cos I know you treasure that letter. Bless Barbara."
