Zoe Ball was emotional this Wednesday as she let her fans know her mother Julia had moved into a hospice after her pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
The broadcaster was back at the helm of her BBC Radio Two breakfast show on April 17, 2024, when she dedicated a Bon Jovi song to the paramedical team who had "gently" moved Julia to her hospice.
"Mum's in hospice now, pretty tough at the moment for the family", Zoe admitted, "I just want to say thank you to John, Scarlett and Charlie, both Charlies, actually, and Sophie and Laura who are really looking after mum."
She continued, adding a heartfelt tribute to those taking part in the London Marathon this Sunday, April 21: "Things are really tough for my mum at the moment, just sending out loads of love. And, especially to anyone who is running the marathon this special causes. Big shout out to anyone running for cancer charities, especially pancreatic cancer, you're all superheroes. Love you mum."
Once she was off the air, Zoe penned another message to her 703k followers in her story, captioning a snap of a bluebell-filled forest. "Thank you for all your kindness. The messages, letters and cards for our Mum mean the world. Strength and love to the many families and folk touched by cancer. Holding tight and so grateful to the incredible people looking after our Ma. We pass these bluebells on the way to the hospice."
Zoe broke the news that her mother had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in a post shared on her Instagram account in March, 2024, and praised her "incredibly brave" mother. "Heartbreakingly our beautiful Mama Julia has been diagnosed with Cancer. As many of you know from experience, these are extremely tough times. Mum is being incredibly brave", she then wrote, captioning a family snap and another shot of her mother sat in a treatment chair.
"My brother Jamie & I are completely in awe of the brilliant Doctors, Nurses & support teams looking after Mum. Thank you. Gratitude to our families & our extended family & friends at home & at work for their support at this time." After sharing the diagnosis, Zoe announced she'd be taking a break from her hosting duties.
The presenter, 53, has previously opened up about her complex relationship with her mother Julia, remembering they were once estranged for several years. "I didn’t see my mum Julia for a few years – she was very young when she married my dad and had me, and when they parted I lived with my dad and my other ‘mum’, his wife Diane", Zoe explained.
But when Julia's third husband Rick Peckham was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2012, the pair of women got back in touch, growing closer than ever since. "I am looking after my mum a bit now", Zoe revealed, "I see her pretty much every day. She is gorgeous."
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