VERNON Kay completed his grueling ultramarathon in Bolton – while raising more than £4m for charity.
The BBC Radio 2 star, 49, ran from Leicester to his home town – 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.
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Vernon Kay completed his ultra marathon this morning raising £4m for Children in NeedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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The BBC Radio 2 presenter looked emotional as he arrived at Bolton StadiumCredit: instagram
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Vernon poses with Bolton Wanderers mascot and cheerleaders Credit: instagram
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The star jokingly asked ‘can someone here get a knee replacement?’ while passing through the goal Credit: instagram
Vernon looked devastated and admitted he was “absolutely spent” when he finally completed his incredible challenge, which began on Tuesday.
Speaking to Radio 2 breakfast presenter Zoe Ball as he crossed the line, Vernon said the brutal ultramarathon to help children in need was “one of the most painful and joyous experiences I’ve ever had”.
Then he jokingly asked, “Is there anyone here who can replace the knee?”
Vernon added: “I’m absolutely exhausted, completely spent, physically, mentally.
“It was just one foot in front of the other, that’s it, and we had a great team who were absolutely brilliant, pushing me and motivating me.”
Around 6.30am, Vernon started their final leg against 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 a standing ovation from the crowd – and a hug from his mum.
Vernon’s TV presenter wife Tess, 54, who is currently preparing for tomorrow’s show of Strictly in Blackpool, said she was “gutted” not to be by 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 big achievement.
She captioned the video: “Absolutely gutted not to be at the finish line cheering you on today Vernon Kay (I’m on Strictly) BUT what a moment, what an achievement, SO PROUD of what you’ve done!
“I can see in your body that it has taken a physical toll but I know it won’t matter now as the total of over 3 MILLION raised for Children In Need BBC is simply amazing and the generosity and support shown by everyone who so kindly donated and those who have supported you along the way, it’s been amazing and I know it’s kept you going (and me too), I love you to the core, Vern, you’ve got this.”
Earlier today, Radio 2’s official Instagram page shared a snap of Vernon on his final route and wrote: “It may be very early but he’s gone and on his way to Bolton.”
Many fans shared messages of support, with one writing: “Wow keep it up Vernon. I’ve been listening for the last three days… tears in my eyes. What an amazing effort with the help of thousands and thousands of generous listeners. You got this V!”
Another posted: “Knight for Vernon please he deserves it.”
A third said: “Oh bless him sooooooooo early! Go Vernon. Think of a lovely warm bath and bed tomorrow morning! You were a true hero and an inspiration to the nation. I was in tears with you this week ! Happy last day!”
On Thursday, Vernon received a hero’s welcome as he tackled the final leg of his 40-mile day, marking the end of the hilliest part of his route.
Speaking on the move, Vernon said he was given Bakewell cakes to encourage his journey, adding: “We’ve got a few, we’re saving them for later.
“A nice lady just passed me a bottle of warm vegetable soup
“I don’t know how I’m going to pay her back.”
Vernon fought through the pain to complete the epic challenge, admitting: “The left leg was fine and the right leg was playing up.”
On Thursday, Vernon spoke to Zoe Ball and admitted that he struggled to get a good night’s sleep before his run yesterday.
He said: “It was at bedtime and at the end. I woke up at half past six from the pain, I slept shakily on my hip.”
Fans can donate to his Children in Need fundraiser at www.bbc.co.uk/vernon.
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The 49-year-old was greeted by crowds on the streets of his home town of Bolton after completing 116 miles in four days Credit: INSTAGRAM
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An emotional Vernon gets a hug from his mom at the end of the epic challenge Credit: instagram
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Zoe Ball was there to congratulate her colleague Credit: Instagram
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Vernon’s wife Tess Daly said she was ‘devastated’ because she couldn’t be there for himCredit: instagram
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The Strictly star praised her husband on his big achievement Credit: Getty
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DJ started his ultramarathon on TuesdayCredit: INSTAGRAM
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Vernon ran from Leicester to BoltonCredit: BBC
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