Zoe Ball says memory of late boyfriend Billy Yates inspired her to take on gruelling Sport Relief challenge

The TV presenter's cameraman boyfriend was found dead last May 
'Gruelling': Zoe Ball will cycle 300 miles for Sports Relief
PA
Jennifer Ruby26 February 2018
The Weekender

Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for exclusive competitions, offers and theatre ticket deals

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Zoe Ball has said that the memory of her late boyfriend Billy Yates has inspired her to sign up for a gruelling Sport Relief challenge.

The presenter, 47, will be cycling over 300 miles in just five days, from her birthplace of Blackpool to her hometown of Brighton, to raise awareness of mental health, after Yates’ tragic suicide in May last year.

The subject is close to Ball's heart following the death of cameraman Yates, saying she felt it “important to do something”.

Speaking of what inspired her to take up the fundraiser, the Strictly: It Takes Two host said: "I lost someone very dear to me who really struggled with depression and so it was really important that I did something."

Tribute: Zoe Ball will pay tribute to her late boyfriend's memory (Ian West/PA )
Ian West/PA

She said she suffered "embarrassing falls" training for the challenge but that thinking about the reason she signed up kept her motivated.

Ball said: "I've been training my heart out for the last few weeks in preparation for this epic, BT-sponsored challenge for Sport Relief.

"A few predictable and embarrassing falls and lots of chafing cream applied but thinking of the reason I signed up for this challenging adventure will spur me on.

Sport Relief TV Special 2016 - In pictures

1/12

"Knowing that every penny we raise will make such a difference to so many different people's lives is a great feeling.

"I'll also be joined by my incredible family and friends, who will be pushing me along the way. I hope that my endeavours inspire others to do something that moves them for Sport Relief too!"

Ball visited The Tomorrow Project, which was set up to support individuals and communities to prevent suicide.

It is managed by Harmless, an organisation that provides support to people who are at risk of self-harm, their friends, families and professionals.

Ball's challenge will be broadcast on a BBC1 documentary, which will air during the week of Sport Relief, taking place from March 17.

Greg James and Alex Jones are also taking on challenges with all three of the BBC presenters leading a nationwide charge for Britons to reach a collective one billion steps a day over the course of a week.

Novice cyclist Ball will set off on March 5 and attempt to cover 70 miles on just day one.

Additional reporting by Press Association.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in

MORE ABOUT