Vernon Kay in tears over letter from isolated listener during marathon challenge
Vernon Kay broke down when he received a message of support during his ultra marathon challenge.
The BBC Radio 2 DJ is currently embarking on his gruelling 115-mile run for Children in Need in just four days. He set off for his ultramarathon from Leicester, climbing through the Peak District to reach his hometown of Bolton. Vernon has already suffered setbacks on the way, including a dodgy knee.
However, his colleagues, family, friends and listeners have been keeping his spirits high. On Wednesday, Vernon called into Radio 2 where he was played a message of support. TV and radio host Richie Anderson told Vernon: "I have got a little message for you but I am not going to say who it is from because as soon as I play it you're going to know."
Vernon became emotional as he listened to Barbara's message (Instagram/ @bbcradio2)
The radio host is running 115 miles for Children In Need (DAILY MIRROR)He then played a clip, which left Vernon breaking down in tears. "Hello Vernon it's Barbara. Now, I just wanted to send you lots and lots of encouragement on running your ultra, ultra marathon. 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 am 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. I am sending you lots of hugs, take care."
After Barbara's message ended, Richie asked: "You alright Vern?" He replied: No. But let me explain, 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.
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"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."
Vernon, 49, has said he has even received advice from Olympian Mo Farah to complete his challenge. “He said you don’t have to think you’re going to go out and really bound the roads. He said, just tap.” In the lead-up to the challenge, he has done 10 weeks’ intensive training.
His route on Thursday sees him complete over 30 miles through Kinder Scout and finish at Manchester's Old Trafford. On Friday, he will run to Bolton Wanderers Football Stadium for a live outside broadcast of The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show. His latest total raised topped a million at an incredible £1,391,768.
Vernon has revealed his knee has been playing up during training. “My left knee’s a literal pain in the bum,” he said. “There’s a tendon that runs from your foot to your hip. It feels bruised when I’m running. That’s what I’m most worried about.” But he said there is NO way he won’t finish, even if he walks. “It’s not going to stop me doing it, but I think it’s going to prevent me from jogging most of it.”
Speaking of his climb over the Peak District, he confessed: “There’s no way I’m running that because of my fear of twisting an ankle. I’ve got me hiking boots, we’re going to power walk.” His wife, Strictly Come Dancing star Tess Daly, and their daughters, Amber and Phoebe, think he is crazy. “The kids are like, ‘Dad, you’re knocking on 50. You’re mad’,” he said.
To make a donation to Vernon's Children In Need fundraiser, go to bbc.co.uk/Vernon
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