Zoe Ball described her funeral of late mother Julia Peckham as the 'perfect day' in an emotional tribute to her just 12 weeks after her cancer diagnosis.
The radio DJ announced at the beginning of March that her mother had pancreatic cancer take away some time from her BBC show that he cares for her.
On Thursday evening, the 53-year-old took to Instagram to share a slew of family photos, including Julia, as she reflected on her heartbreak.
“Yesterday we said goodbye to our sweet mom, Grandma J. It was the perfect day and she would have loved it,” Zoe said.
'Forever in our hearts Mama, thank you for your magic and love. I miss you guys so much, but hold each other tight.”
She then thanked fans and family for their support, as well as her children Woody, 23, and 14-year-old Nelly for their eulogy, and shared her love with those experiencing similar losses.
'Thank you to everyone who sent sweet messages, cards and flowers. Much love to the many of you who have shared with us your own loss and heartbreak, to those battling cancer or to those caring for loved ones affected by cancer.
“We wish you all the strength and love and of course the humor you need to keep going,” she added, admitting that “some days it's so hard to be brave.”
Revealing the abrupt timeline of her mother's illness, Zoe also shared that the family now had plans to get involved with cancer charities.
'My wonderful brother Jamie @tikikontiki and I will be raising money in the future for the wonderful caring people at @stpeterstjames & @pancreaticcanuk.
'Let's hope that one day more can be done to help those diagnosed. Our mother was diagnosed in February, we lost her in just 12 weeks. 💔'
Her photos include a recent photo of Julia smiling in a frame, as well as photos from both her mother and her own childhood, with Zoe as a toddler in one about to have a kiss and the duo together during Zoe's teenage years.
The last photo was one of Zoe and her mother with her brother Jamie Clark and their children.
She was supported by her friends in the comments section, including Richard E. Grant, who left a series of heart emojis, as well as several members of the Strictly Come Dancing family.
“All the love,” wrote Claudia Winkleman alongside some red hearts, from whom Zoe took over the duties of hosting the spin-off show It Takes Two for ten years in 2011.
'I would love to send you my beautiful Zoë. I love you so much ❤️❤️,” wrote Gaby Roslin, who stepped in to beat Zoe's slot in recent weeks and announced her mother's death on air in April.
One of the charities mentioned by the broadcaster also responded, with Pancreatic Cancer UK commenting: 'Sending you so much love, Zoe. We are incredibly grateful for your support and we will not stop fighting for earlier detection and better treatments for this devastating disease.
“You are all in our thoughts.”
After revealing that her mother had been moved to a hospice just a week before her deathZoe later announced the death of her 'dear mum' in the early hours of April 24.
She added, “Thank you for teaching us to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy, and how laughter, even in the darkest days, is the greatest gift.
“We're bereft without you, but we'll hold each other so tight. Your grace and your smile that lit up every room you were in will light up the stars to guide us.”
She had previously said it was her mother's cancer was 'heartbreakingly quite advanced' and the family focused on making memories together.
Macmillan Cancer Support
If you or someone you care for has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can provide support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their web chat serviceor visit their site For more information.
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