Sara Cox left devastated following tragic death of beloved pal Peta just weeks after completing 135-mile Great Northern Marathon Challenge and raising £11.5M for Children In Need
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Sara Cox announced the tragic death of her close pal Peta on Sunday, with a gushing tribute alongside throwback snaps of the pair throughout the years.
The Radio 2 DJ, 50, took to social media with the sad news just weeks after she completed her 135-mile Great Northern Marathon and raising a whopping £11.5million for Children In Need.
Sara and Peta could be seen beaming in the photos as they enjoyed everything from exotic holidays to fancy dress parties together.
In 2012, the broadcaster spoke to The Standard of their friendship and said how her favourite thing to do in London was dine out with Peta and her mum Jackie Cox.
Alongside the slew of sweet snaps a devastated Sara wrote: 'Sleep tight Peta, You’ll always be in my heart x.'
Fans were quick to share their condolences in the comments: 'Sorry for your loss Sara. So hard when we lose a close friend': 'So sorry for your loss. Great memories to help you get through this difficult time': 'Sara I am so sorry to hear this. Life can be so cruel and unfair at times. Sending you love and thoughts.'
Sara Cox (L) announced the tragic death of her close pal Peta (R) on Sunday, with a gushing tribute and throwback snaps of the pair throughout the years.
The Radio 2 DJ, 50, took to social media with the sad news just weeks after she completed her 135-mile Great Northern Marathon and raising a whopping £11.5million for Children In Need
Alongside the slew of sweet snaps a devastated Sara wrote: 'Sleep tight Peta, You’ll always be in my heart x'
Last month Sara revealed her Great Northern Marathon Challenge total soared to an outstanding £11,501,637 for Children In Need as donations continued to flood in after the broadcast of her behind-the-scenes appeal film, Sara Cox: Every Step Of The Way.
The radio presenter covered 135 miles on foot across four counties – Northumberland, County Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire - a distance of five marathons across five days.
The presenter's grand total has risen by more than £1.3million since Monday’s previous figure of £10.2million, announced by Scott Mills on Radio 2’s Breakfast Show.
Sara revealed on Radio 2 the new total and said: 'You are legends. Every fiver, tenner, every twenty, every thirty. Whatever you gave a couple of quid on the side of the road.
'The kids that gave their money that they got from the tooth fairy. Every penny goes to helping children and young people in the UK and you are absolutely incredible.
'If it’s safe to do so, you are not operating heavy machinery, holding a small child or nursing a large whiskey, give yourselves a pat on the back. That is beautiful. Eleven and a half million pounds. We did it together, thank you.'
Sara made her triumphant return to her Radio 2 Teatime Show on Wednesday, after the ultra marathon challenge.
The presenter received congratulations from Prince William and Stormzy following the huge achievement.
In 2012, the broadcaster told The Standard of their friendship and said how her favourite thing to do in London was dine out with Peta and her mum Jackie Cox
Sara and Peta could be seen beaming in the snaps as they enjoyed exotic holidays
Another photo showed them at a fancy dress party wearing wild wigs
One sweet snap showed the pair sharing a big hug
Fans were quick to share their condolences in the comments: 'Sorry for your loss Sara. So hard when we lose a close friend'
Roughly £35,000 was generously raised just from the buckets on the sidelines of Sara's route alone.
After crossing the finish line, Sara revealed to Scott and Radio 2 listeners that music got her through the challenge: 'I would like to thank Chase and Status and Stormzy for Backbone.
'And I'd like to apologise to my son because on telly, if it stays on the documentary, I am singing that song quite a lot and it's so cringe.
'So I am so sorry to my kids. We spend a lot of time playing brilliant music on Radio 2... I was singing along at one point like a mad woman, singing along to Blur, and all sorts just to try and push through.'
Sara also reflected on her response to a good luck message from Prince William.
Prince William recorded a video message, which was played by Scott on his Radio 2 breakfast show.
He said: 'Sara, massive congratulations for what you're doing.
Last month Sara revealed her Great Northern Marathon Challenge total soared to an outstanding £11,501,637 for Children In Need as donations continued to flood in
The radio presenter covered 135 miles on foot across four counties – Northumberland, County Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire - a distance of five marathons across five days
'You're so nearly there, just a little bit further, and I know the people of Pudsey will all come out and welcome you with huge open arms, big hugs, and hopefully, lots of your favourite crumpets.
'Keep going, you've done fantastically well, and the nation's so proud of you.'
Scott said: 'You weren't expecting Prince William on Friday were you?'
Sara replied: 'I think I said "big up your bad self" to the future king, can I apologise now? It was lovely, it was amazing.'
