Denise Van Outen reveals The Sun’s fitness guru Nicki Waterman inspired her through a charity foundation bike trek in her memory
The presenter revealed she could hear Nicki's words of motivation as she pedalled uphill in the scorching heat of Kerala
DENISE van Outen revealed she sought motivation from her pal Nicki Waterman to drive her through a gruelling uphill bike ride in the scorching India heat in her memory.
The former Big Breakfast host was part of a team of celebrities who pedalled 187 miles across Kerala to raise money for Brain Tumour Research, following the tragic passing of The Sun's fitness expert who died of a brain tumour in August.
Nicki, 53, whose husband Dennis, 69, died of pancreatic cancer in October, was sadly diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in May 2015.
Talking of the recent five day challenge set up after Nicki's brave battle, her close friend of 16 years was determined to keep her passion for fitness alive.
Denise told today's Lorraine: "For some of us, it took us out of our comfort zone.
"I'm not a really brilliant cyclist - I can cycle distance but I am terrible going up hill.
"I cursed the whole way up but at one point on the way, I could here her voice saying 'you can do it'."
She added: "It was so emotional but it was really lovely to celebrate her life.
"I miss her dearly and I just wanted to do something in her memory."
As well as being The Sun's fitness guru, Nicki inspired many as a top fitness trainer who also worked with show host Lorraine.
The pair described ever-smiley Nicki as a "sunny, happy person".
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Denise was joined by singer Michelle Heaton, presenter Kate Thornton and George Bright and to date, the showbiz bunch has raised £45,836.38 in her memory.
Nicki was one of the 2,200 Brits each year to develop glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain tumour.
Doctors said she would be lucky to make it to February but last March she revealed the tumour had shrunk after revolutionary treatment.
To continue the fundraising a
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