Zoe Ball announces death of her ‘dear mama’ just weeks after cancer diagnosis

Zoe Ball has said that she is ‘bereft’ after the death of her mum Julia Peckham, just weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The BBC Radio 2 breakfast show host shared the sad news this morning, writing ‘sleep tight dear Mama’.

Zoe had shared just a matter of weeks ago that her beloved mother had been diagnosed with cancer, later moving to hospice care.

And now tragically, only six weeks after her diagnosis and an ‘incredibly brave’ battle with the disease’, Julia has passed away.

Zoe has been taking some time off air to spend time with family.

Today, sharing a photo of her mum in her younger years, Zoe Ball wrote: “Sleep tight dear Mama.

“Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy, and how, even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts.

“We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other. your grace & your smile that lit up every room you were in, will light the stars to guide us.”

She had previously written upon her mum’s diagnosis: “Heartbreakingly our beautiful Mama Julia has been diagnosed with Cancer. As many of you know from experience, these are extremely tough times. Mum is being incredibly brave.

“My brother Jamie & I are completely in awe of the brilliant Doctors, Nurses & support teams looking after Mum. Thank you. Gratitude to our families & our extended family & friends at home & at work for their support at this time.

“Sending out love to people reading this who are battling cancer, or awaiting diagnosis & also to the folk looking after their dear ones who are poorly.”

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Featured image: Instagram @zoetheball