Radio 2 host Zoe Ball has shared an emotional post following the death of her beloved mum earlier this year after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
BBC Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball has wished her late mother Julia Peckham a “happy heavenly birthday” in a touching new tribute.
The presenter also admitted “losing” her had been “harder than [she] could ever have imagined”.
Earlier this year, Zoe, 53, announced the death of her mum following her pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
On April 24, she informed fans that her parent had died and thanked her for teaching her how to “love unconditionally”.
“We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other,” she added. Almost four months on from Julia’s death, the mum-of-two marked her birthday with a heartwarming social media post.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, today (August 2), Zoe wrote: “Happy heavenly birthday Mama. Your beautiful beaming smile shining down on our hearts always but boy, losing you is harder than I could ever have imagined.”
The breakfast show host went on to tell her 403,600 followers that she was “holding on so tight” while “letting the tears come and wishing on the stars”. She posted an image of Julia beaming for the camera alongside the sweet sentiment.
Following Zoe’s post, fans have flocked to the micro-blogging platform to send their support and various well-wishes. One X user wrote: “It’s a really tough and painful time. In my thoughts.”
“Sending hugs,” typed a second. “Losing a parent is so hard (31st year since we lost Dad on Monday gone).
“It gets easier, but you still have those moments when you have a cry, even 31 years later. Celebrate the amazing moments and the wonderful mum she was.” (sic)
Another commented: “Happy heavenly birthday to your mum, Zoe. Your mum will always be with you in both your memories and in your heart.”
A fourth penned: “Beautiful photo of your mum. Sending love and hugs to you and your family.”
Zoe initially announced her mum’s cancer diagnosis in March, writing at the time: “Heartbreakingly our beautiful Mama Julia has been diagnosed with cancer.
“As many of you know from experience, these are extremely tough times. Mum is being incredibly brave.”
She added that she and her brother Jamie Clark had been “in awe” of their mum’s caregivers and that she wanted to thank fans for their support.
In the wake of her mum’s illness, Zoe elected to take time away from her regular BBC Radio 2 show.
Despite fans being understanding of the star’s situation, some have recently blasted the presenter after her annual salary was announced.
According to new reports, the broadcaster was paid between £950,000 and £954,999 by the BBC last year, making her the corporation’s second-highest-paid employee behind Gary Lineker.
From Zoe’s annual salary, she roughly earns around £4,000 per show.
The publication of the annual salary list has raised eyebrows after the BBC confirmed 500 jobs would be cut in a bid to save £200m for the “transformation” of the corporation.
Speaking about the decision, chief operating adviser Leigh Tavaziva said: “To further build our digital capabilities, whilst targeting efficiencies, over the next two years we will continue to close and transfer roles in some areas and create new roles in growth areas.
“This will result in a forecast net reduction of 500 roles in the public service by March 26, with further growth in targeted areas planned in our commercial group.
“To support these changes we will today be launching a new voluntary redundancy scheme for staff. Our priority remains to protect and champion the BBC’s fighting role as the UK’s public service broadcaster, for all our audiences both local and global.”
Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.
Source: CNN
