VERNON Kay has finished his gruelling ultramarathon in Bolton – while raising over £4m for charity.
The BBC Radio 2 star, 49, ran from Leicester to his hometown – a distance of 116 miles – over four days and crossed the finish line on Friday morning, cheered on by his proud Strictly wife Tess Daly.
Vernon looked overwhelmed and admitted to being “absolutely spent” as he finally completed his incredible challenge, which kicked off on Tuesday.
Chatting to Radio 2 breakfast host Zoe Ball as he crossed the line, Vernon said the brutal ultramarathon, in aid of Children in Need, had been “one of the most painful and joyous experiences I’ve ever had”.
He then jokingly asked: “Is there anyone here who can replace a knee?”
Vernon added: “I’m absolutely exhausted, absolutely spent, physically, mentally.
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“It was just one foot in front of the other, that’s what it was, and we’ve had a great team who’ve been absolutely brilliant, pushing me along and motivating me.”
At around 6.30am, Vernon kicked off his final leg to Bolton.
He was seen leaving Manchester’s Old Trafford Cricket Ground as he made his way to Walkden before his final stop – Bolton Stadium.
Arriving at the Bolton Wanderers ground, Vernon received wild cheers from the crowds – and a hug from his mum.
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Vernon’s TV presenter wife Tess, 54, who is currently preparing for tomorrow’s Strictly showpiece in Blackpool, said she was “gutted” not to be at her husband’s side to celebrate the special moment.
The pair shared a video call earlier in the day as she praised her hubby for his huge achievement.
She captioned the video: “Absolutely gutted not to be at the finish line not to cheer you on today Vernon Kay (am at Strictly) BUT what a moment, what an achievement, I am SO PROUD of what you’ve done!
“I can see in your body that it’s taken a physical toll but I know that it won’t matter right now, as the total of over 3 MILLION raised for Children In Need BBC is just incredible, and the generosity and support shown by everyone that has so kindly donated and those who have come out to support you along the way has been beyond wonderful and I know it’s kept you going (and me too), love you to bits Vern, you’ve got this.”
Earlier today, the official Radio 2 Instagram page shared a clip of Vernon on his final route and captioned it: “It may be very early but he’s off and on his way to Bolton.”
Many fans shared supportive messages, with one writing: “Wow go go Vernon. Been listening over the last three days… tears in my eyes. What an incredible effort helped along by thousands & thousands of generous listeners. You’ve got this V!”
Another posted: “Knighthood for Vernon please, he deserves it.”
A third said: “Oh bless him soooo early! Go on Vernon. Think of the lovely hot bath and lie in tomorrow morning! You’ve been a true hero and inspiration to the nation. I’ve been in tears with you this week! Good luck for your last day!”
On Thursday, Vernon got a hero’s welcome as he headed into the final leg of his 40 mile day which marked the end of the hilliest part of his route.
Speaking on the move, Vernon said he’d been handed Bakewell tarts to fuel his journey, adding: “We’ve got several, we’re saving then until later.
“A lovely lady just handed me a flask of hot vegetable soup
“I don’t know how I’ll get it back to her.”
Vernon fought through pain to complete the epic challenge, admitting: “The left leg’s been alright it’s the right leg that has been playing up.”
On Thursday Vernon spoke to Zoe Ball and admitted he had struggled to get a good night’s kip ahead of the run yesterday.
He said: “It was on and off the sleep. I woke up at half past five in pain, I was sleeping wonky on the dodgy hip.”
Fans can donate to his fundraiser for Children in Need at www.bbc.co.uk/vernon.
