Sara Cox has been left devastated after the death of her close friend weeks after completing her 135-mile charity marathon that raised £11.5m for Children In Need
Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox has shared the heartbreaking news of her close friend Peta’s death, just weeks after completing her challenging 135-mile Great Northern Marathon Challenge and raising an impressive £11.5million for Children in Need.
The 50-year-old broadcaster revealed the sad news on Sunday, posting a series of nostalgic photos that spanned years of friendship – holidays, parties, embraces, and moments that demonstrated their deep bond.
It was only after sharing this poignant collection of images that she confirmed the tragic news that has left her devastated. Alongside the pictures, Sara wrote: “Sleep tight, Peta. You’ll always be in my heart x.”
This simple tribute prompted hundreds of messages from fans offering their condolences.
One commented, “Sorry for your loss, Sara. So hard when we lose a close friend.”
Another added, “So sorry for your loss. Great memories to help you get through this difficult time,” reports the Express.
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A third fan expressed: “Sara, I am so sorry to hear this. Life can be so cruel and unfair at times. Sending you love and thoughts.”
Sara’s close relationship with Peta was well-documented. In 2012, she told The Standard that her favourite activity in London was dining out with Peta and her mother, Jackie Cox.
The images she posted this week depicted the pair enjoying exotic holidays, fancy dress mayhem, and heartfelt embraces.
This devastating news follows closely on the heels of Sara’s remarkable charity endeavour, which garnered nationwide attention.
Last month, she announced her final fundraising figure had reached an impressive £11,501,637 following the airing of her behind-the-scenes documentary, Sara Cox: Every Step Of The Way.
Her gruelling trek spanned 135 miles through Northumberland, County Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire – effectively completing five marathons across five consecutive days.
Speaking on Radio 2, she expressed gratitude to listeners for their contributions: “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.’”
She continued: “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 was back presenting her Teatime Show just days after finishing the challenge, revealing she’d been sent messages of congratulations from Stormzy and Prince William.
His message was broadcast live on air, leading Sara to laugh about her response: “I think I said ‘big up your bad self’ to the future king, can I apologise now? It was lovely, it was amazing.”
