Entertainment

Zoe Ball in final push of Sport Relief challenge

The TV presenter is battling through pain after falling into a ditch on the fourth day of her cycling fundraiser.
The TV presenter is battling through pain after falling into a ditch on the fourth day of her cycling fundraiser. The TV presenter is battling through pain after falling into a ditch on the fourth day of her cycling fundraiser.

Broadcaster Zoe Ball has said the death of her boyfriend, Billy Yates, is inspiring her to complete her Sport Relief challenge.

The TV host is due to complete her journey at Brighton Pier on day five of the gruelling, cycling fundraiser.

The 47-year-old fell into a ditch on Thursday and is now in pain.

But she said “help is really needed” for people suffering from mental illness.

The Strictly: It Takes Two host said: “It was a very hard day yesterday, I fell into a ditch and I am paying for it today – my legs are very sore.

“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.”

Ball, whose boyfriend was found dead at his home last May after struggling with depression, said: “I lost my boyfriend last year, and 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. 

“In 2016, over 6,000 people died by suicide. Help is really, really needed.”

The TV star has said she was in tears when she received a text message from her son, saying his support “meant the world”.

Ball has been cycling more than 300 miles (483km) in just five days, from her birthplace of Blackpool to her hometown of Brighton, to raise awareness of mental health.