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Vernon Kay wipes away tears and hugs his mum after gruelling ultramarathon – as wife Tess Daly reveals fundraising total
Absent wife Tess shared a heartfelt message as her man crossed the finish line
VERNON Kay gave his mum Gladys and dad Norman big hugs as he completed his gruelling ultramarathon for Children in Need today.
The broadcaster, 49, was given a hero's welcome at the home of Bolton Wanderers, and he was visibly moved by the rapturous reception.
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Remaining on his feet following the final leg of his 116 mile run, Vernon still had enough in the tank to jog over to his proud parents in the stands.
The touching moment was shared on social media by Vernon's wife Tess Daly, who was unable to be there in person due to her commitments with Strictly Come Dancing.
Vernon's proud spouse wrote: "116 miles later. Back in his home town of Bolton Hanky in hand. He’s done it! Choked up with pride."
She also asked his mum to "give him a massive squeeze from me."
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So far, Vernon raised a staggering £4,014,362 for charity and that total is set to rise with donations still flooding in after the impressive feat of endurance.
Earlier today, Vernon shared an early morning video call with Tess, who beamed from ear to ear at her man's achievement.
Alongside a screenshot of their conversation, the TV star wrote: "Absolutely gutted not to be at the finish line not to cheer you on today! (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 is just incredible...
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"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!!"
Prior to his final leg, a road weary Vernon was spurred on by a surprise message from a devoted listener of his Radio 2 show.
Receiving the message live on air while speaking to Richie Anderson, Vernon broke down in tears.
The listener said: "Hello Vernon it's Barbara. Now, I just wanted to send you lots and lots of encouragement on running your ultra, ultramarathon. Wow.
"But I know you can do it. Now, if it gets tough just think of all the smiling faces of the children you're helping. I am so proud of you. Now, I wish I could be there to cheer you on but I shall be there in spirit. So just lift up those feet and keep going. I am sending you lots of hugs, take care."
Richie asked visibly upset Vernon if he was OK, to which he replied: "No. But let me explain. That's Barbara who wrote me a letter after I had been on air for a month and she said, 'thank you for bringing an old lady into the light'. It has had a massive effect on me that letter. That's probably one of the most heartfelt letters anyone could ever write.
"Barbara represents so many people in Great Britain who feel like they're either homebound or just a little bit trapped. When she wrote that letter... all we do on the radio is talk and we try and relate to people. God bless you Barbara, thank you very much for your message it means a lot."
Vernon, who took over from radio legend Ken Bruce earlier this year, been battling knee pain and fatigue during the challenge.
His route began in Leicester on Tuesday and has taken him through, Derby, the Peak District and Manchester before ending in his home town.
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