Zoe Ball visits Stratford during Sport Relief challenge

Radio presenter Zoe Ball stopped by for breakfast at Talton Mill, near Newbold on Stour, this morning as she prepared to set off on the latest leg of her Hardest Road Home challenge in aid of Sport Relief.

Zoe set off on day four of her 352-mile ride from Blackpool to Brighton this morning, having cycled a route from Upton Magna in Shropshire to Stratford yesterday.

Speaking to the Herald about her visit to Stratford yesterday, where she stayed overnight at the Arden Hotel, she said: “As we were cycling towards Stratford we saw this big storm, and thought wow that looks amazing. Then when we entered the town we realised we were in the middle of it – this huge hailstorm!”

She continued: “But despite the weather the people came out to greet us, which makes it all worth while – it really lifts your spirit and fills the heart. I got a toot from a fire engine, then a dog came up and gave me a lick! Later, as the storm passed, we were greeted by a double rainbow.”

During her Stratford leg, Zoe was joined by singer and actor Harry Judd, who used to be in the band McFly. Explaining how he helped when she fell off her bike yesterday, she said: “I was going round a tricky corner on a hill when I just went. I don’t know what was worse – the fall or falling in front of Harry Judd. I was a bit shaky afterwards but it was wonderful to have him along and he’s a great motivator.”

At Talton Mill, Zoe and her team tucked into a full English breakfast cooked on a ‘bath-e-cue' – a Victorian bath that has been customised into a barbecue. The unique cooking facility belongs to Fran Bos and Liz Holberton, who run the café and events company based at the Talton Mill farm and butchery – which is run by Liz’s husband Mark.

Looking around the farm’s beautiful setting, Zoe said: “One of the things I’m really enjoying is seeing all these wonderful places. When the weather gets warmer I’d definitely like to come back here.”

Zoe said she would be cycling in memory of her boyfriend who died after years of suffering from mental health issues. To find out more, and to make a donation, visit www.sportrelief.com