Vernon Kay was left in tears on BBC Radio 2 after hearing about a family’s tragic loss during his co-star Owain Wyn Evans’ 4 Nations Cycle Challenge for Children in Need
Vernon Kay fought back tears on Radio 2(Image: BBC Radio 2/YouTube)
Vernon Kay was left heartbroken after hearing Nicola Harteveld’s story while updating BBC Radio 2 listeners about Owain Wyn Evans‘ 4 Nations Cycle Challenge to generate funds for Children in Need.
While encouraging people to donate as Owain continues on his tough 400-mile bike ride across Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, and Wales, Vernon recalled his own emotional experiences during his 2023 Children in Need Ultra Ultramarathon Challenge.
He said: “Unfortunately, Children in Need, they’re only able to help fund one in six organisations who ask for help.”
Vernon continued: “And that’s why the donations are really, really important, and it’s only with your support that we can continue to help lighten the load for hundreds of thousands of children when they need it the most, and your donation…”
Vernon’s voice faltered, with the star confessing: “I’m going now,” as tears welled in his eyes, before explaining to listeners how Children in Need are supporting the Megan’s Starr Foundation, which was founded by Nicola.
After regaining his composure, Vernon revealed: “The reason why I’m tearing up is because I’ve seen it first-hand. So I’ve experienced the challenge, I’ve experienced what people go through, and I’ve experienced the way that it helps.
“Megan’s Starr Foundation in Milford Haven in Wales helps young people with their mental health and wellbeing through counselling, workshops and their community coffee house. Megan’s Starr was started by Nicola in memory of her daughter.”
A recording then featured Nicola, who established the charity in 2017 following the death of her 14-year-old daughter, Megan, who took her own life after enduring relentless verbal and online cyberbullying.
The devastating account left Vernon, who has two daughters with his ex Tess Daly, struggling to speak, as he said tearfully: “Oh God… as a parent you can’t imagine, you can’t imagine.”
Vernon was also moved to tears at another point in Wednesday’s broadcast after hearing a message from a listener who had endured “a lot of trauma” during her childhood and wished to express her support for Owain’s charitable mission.
The voice note was submitted by Tracy from Doncaster, who shared: “I’m cracking on for 60 now, but as a child I went through a lot of trauma from being a very young age up until my late teens, and listening to your radio station, and just listening to Owain doing this challenge, he’s such an inspiration.
“I wish that something like this had been around when I [was] younger and I’m so proud of him. He’s such a lovely guy and all the kids that are out there that will get help from him doing something like this, he should be so proud of himself.
“Keep going boy, honestly, you’re such an inspiration and I’m sending you lots of love and lots of best wishes, and, do you know what Vernon? What you’re doing, what all of you are doing on Radio 2, is absolutely wonderful. Keep going darling, bye.”
After the message concluded, Vernon quipped that his assistant producer Janine Maya-Smith had been “cutting onions” in the studio, as everyone was visibly moved. The star replied: “Thank you Tracy, really appreciate that. Janine, I think it’s really rude of you to cut onions whilst Tracy was on there.
“I mean look at us, all four of us, that plucked at the heartstrings. So, obviously, Tracy has been through it and, back in the day, there was no one there to support her.”
“But, thankfully, Children in Need is around now, and as we’ve just heard first-hand from Tracy, she would have absolutely benefited from Children in Need helping her as a young person, and helping her progress through life and, obviously, that voice note was very emotional for Tracy. So, Tracy, we really appreciate you getting in touch.”
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans. org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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