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CHARITY CHALLENGE

Zoe Ball breaks down in tears after finishing day two of 300 mile bike ride in memory of late boyfriend Billy

ZOE Ball broke down in tears today after finishing day two of a 300 mile charity bike ride in memory of her late boyfriend Billy Yates.

The 47-year-old TV host is cycling from Blackpool to Brighton for Sport Relief to raise awareness about mental health issues.

 Zoe Ball breaks down after day two of her cycle challenge in memory of her late boyfriend, Billy Yates
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Zoe Ball breaks down after day two of her cycle challenge in memory of her late boyfriend, Billy Yates

Zoe's partner, cameraman Billy Yates, took his own life last May after struggling with depression for several years.

The presenter and novice cyclist was set a gruelling five-day cycle challenge Zoe's Hardest Road Home by Sport Relief.

Taking to Instagram after the second leg of her journey where she was joined by comedian John Bishop, she told her followers: "We made it to the end of day two which has been quite tough for me I've got to tell you,

"And there's been lots of tooting and cheering and Shropshire is a beautiful county."

 Zoe is cycling 300 miles for Sport Relief to raise awareness about mental health issues
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Zoe is cycling 300 miles for Sport Relief to raise awareness about mental health issuesCredit: Victoria Dawe

After posting the clip, Zoe was inundated with support from fans with one person saying: "Keep going Zoe. You're an inspiration to many. Good luck with the rest of your journey.

Another added: "Billy would be so proud of you."

Zoe suffered a devastating loss back in May when her boyfriend of three months, Antiques Roadshow cameraman Billy, 40, was found dead at his home in South West London.

Since then, she has dedicated her time to raising awareness about mental health issues and said the bike ride was something she "wanted to do something for him".

 Zoe's partner, cameraman Billy Yates, took his own life last May after struggling with depression for several years
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Zoe's partner, cameraman Billy Yates, took his own life last May after struggling with depression for several years

She said: "I lost someone very dear to me who really struggled with depression.

"It was really important that I did something. Thinking of the reason I signed up for this challenging adventure will spur me on.

Zoe Ball breaks down after day two of Sport Relief bike ride in memory of boyfriend Billy Yates

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

"I hope that my endeavours inspire others to do something that moves them for Sport Relief, too."

Sport Relief 2018 will air on BBC One on Friday, March 23.

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