SARA Cox has been left devastated by the death of her close pal who passed away just weeks after her record-breaking Children In Need challenge.
The BBC Radio 2 anchor took to her Instagram page for an emotional tribute to her mate Peta in which she promised her late loved one would “always be in my heart”.
Sara, 50, who completed her 135-mile Great Northern Marathon Challenge last month, uploaded a series of sweet images showing the pair together.
She kicked off the bittersweet gallery with a snap showing her hugging Peta in front of a table adorned with empty alcohol glasses.
Then followed images showing them donning robes in a spa, perching on a car and enjoying the great outdoors.
Another captured the great mates in fancy dress before the collection rounded off with a sweet picture showing the pair enjoying a hug.
Sara wrote in her caption: “Sleep tight Peta.
“You’ll always be in my heart x”
Her BBC Radio 2 co-stars were quick to offer their condolences and Zoe Ball wrote: “Sending love.”
Dermot O’Leary added: “So sorry x”
DJ Spoony added: “Lots of love Saz.”
Sara previously gave an insight into the pair’s friendship when she was asked about her most memorable meal in London.
She told The Standard at the time: “Going to Fifteen with my mum and friend, Peta.
“The food is always exciting and they make you feel really special there.”
BUSY TIMES
Sara’s loss comes after she raised a whopping £10,169,084 when she crossed the finish line of her Children In Need challenge last month.
The total has only continued to rise as fans were eager to mark Sara’s efforts with a financial pledge.
How to donate to Children In Need
Children In Need is the BBC’s UK charity which aims to support disadvantaged children and young people.
Since it began the annual televised appeals have raised a whopping £1.5billion over the years since 1980.
Here’s how you can donate to this incredible cause:
Online: Donate through the BBC Children in Need website.
Text: Text a keyword to a short code to donate – 70701: Text “FIVE” to donate £5, “TEN” to donate £10, and so on.
Phone: You can donate by credit or debit card on the Children in Need donation line on 0345 7 33 22 33.
Cheque: Send a cheque, postal order, or CAF voucher made payable to “BBC Children in Need” to:
BBC Children in Need Appeal
MediaCityUK
Salford
M50 2BH
Post Office: Donate by cash, card, or cheque at thousands of Post Office branches.
Fundraising: If you want to help out you can get a free fundraiser supporter kit.
Sara admitted she had “never known pain like it” during her trek, which began on November 10, in the wild beauty of Kielder Forest on the Scottish borders.
The first day’s goal was to reach Hexham, following the River North Tyne and crossing Hadrian’s Wall.
The second day took her from Hexham to Wolsingham, which was highlighted by a punishing 1,500-foot ascent up Bale Hill.
On Wednesday, the 28-mile stretch went from Wolsingham to Richmond in North Yorkshire, where she was cheered on by crowds after passing through places like Cockfield, Staindrop, and Winston.
The journey continued on Thursday from Richmond down to Ripley.
Then the last day, Friday, November 14, saw her cover the final miles from Ripley to the finish line in Pudsey, Leeds.
The mission was BBC Radio 2’s longest ever challenge for charity.
Donations made by the public went directly to UK charities that help children and young people facing hardship.
