ZOE Ball was joined by Radio 2 colleague Fearne Cotton as her 300-mile cycle challenge reached Oxford today.

Oxford Mail:

Victoria Dawe Photography

The radio star is attempting to cycle from her birthplace of Blackpool to her hometown of Brighton as part of BT Sport’s Zoe’s Hardest Road Home – a challenge inspired by the death of her boyfriend, cameraman Billy Yates, who struggled with depression.

He was found dead at his home last May, aged 40.

The DJ was on day four of her epic challenge to raise funds for Sports Relief so it can fund mental health projects across the UK.

After her route took her through Chipping Norton, the team stopped off for lunch in Kidlington before heading into Oxford along Banbury Road.

The radio presenter will finish the challenge tomorrow as she cycles from Marlow to Brighton.

She said: “The saddle sore is the least of my worries. When it’s wet, gravelly and you are getting splashed by lorries and battered by a really cold wind - it’s terrifying. Yesterday I thought ‘can I do this - I’m not sure’.

“People are waiting a long time to wave at us, and it’s not warm out. “It just fills your heart and brings a tear to the eye.

“It’s getting really tough, but people are seeing me through this and donating - it’s wonderful.”

Ms Ball was also joined by McFly drummer Harry Judd on the third day of her cycle challenge.

She took a tumble on Wednesday morning as she attempted to take on a steep climb but soon recovered.