We Welcome Zoe Ball On Sports Relief Challenge!

Staff and people supported Community Integrated Care in Halton helped cheer TV star Zoe Ball to success on her epic Sports Relief Challenge, which featured on BBC last week.

In March, Zoe took on a 350 mile challenge for the charity, cycling from Blackpool to Brighton in just five days. Her efforts promoted national awareness of men’s mental health issues and raised more than £500,000 for the cause. The presenter took on the challenge after the tragic passing of her partner, Billy Yates, who lived with depression and sadly committed suicide at the age of 40. 

Zoe finished her first day on the route at the Halton Stadium, home of the Super League Rugby League team, Widnes Vikings. Staff and people supported by our charity were invited to have a lead role in welcoming her as she arrived in the stadium.

Guests from some of our Halton-based services, Holmdale, Birkdale Bankfield and Glenwood helped cheer Zoe on as completed the first 72 miles of her incredible journey. 

Their support was broadcast on the primetime BBC One documentary, Zoe’s Longest Journey, which was broadcast last night. Speaking on the programme, Zoe said: “That was brilliant. Cycling into the stadium was a moment that I’ll never forget. It was emotional to complete day one, but also to get that welcome meant the world to me.”

Kelly-Louise Pearson, Support Worker at Holmdale, said: “It was awesome to be part of it. The people we support, Diane and Darryl, had a brill time and were really excited to meet Zoe. She was exhausted but still made time to speak to everyone. We had a great time!”