Vernon Kay left in tears on BBC Radio 2 over Milford Haven mum's heartbreaking ordeal

Vernon Kay broke down in tears live on air(Image: BBC Radio 2/YouTube)

Vernon Kay has been updating BBC Radio 2 listeners throughout the week on his colleague Owain Wyn Evans' 4 Nations Cycle Challenge in aid of Children in Need, and has found himself deeply moved by the experience. Vernon became tearful after hearing Nicola Harteveld's story, which motivated her to establish Megan's Starr Foundation in Milford Haven, Wales, in memory of her daughter.

On Wednesday morning's broadcast, Vernon reflected on what he'd learned during his Children in Need Ultra Ultramarathon Challenge, which he completed in 2023. He stated: "Unfortunately, Children in Need, they're only able to help fund one in six organisations who ask for help."

Vernon continued: "And that's why the donations are really, really important, and it's only with your support that we can continue to help lighten the load for hundreds of thousands of children when they need it the most, and your donation..."

Vernon's voice faltered, with the presenter acknowledging: "I'm going now," as tears began to form, before informing listeners about how Children in Need is supporting the Megan's Starr Foundation.

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Owain Wyn Evans has taken on a cycling challenge for Children in Need(Image: BBC Radio 2/Instagram)

After regaining his composure, Vernon explained: "The reason why I'm tearing up is because I've seen it first-hand. So I've experienced the challenge, I've experienced what people go through, and I've experienced the way that it helps.

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"Megan's Starr Foundation in Milford Haven in Wales helps young people with their mental health and wellbeing through counselling, workshops and their community coffee house. Megan's Starr was started by Nicola in memory of her daughter."

A clip then aired featuring Nicola, who established the charity in 2017 following the death of her 14-year-old daughter Megan, who took her own life after suffering severe verbal and online cyberbullying.

The heartbreaking account left Vernon, who shares two daughters with his ex Tess Daly, struggling to speak, as he said through tears: "Oh God... as a parent you can't imagine, you can't imagine."

Nicola and her son Miles at the Megan's Starr coffee house(Image: Laura Clements)

Earlier in the show, Vernon became overwhelmed with emotion once again after receiving a voice note from Doncaster-based listener, Tracy, who wanted to praise Welsh broadcaster Owain for his efforts.

She said: "I'm cracking on for 60 now, but as a child I went through a lot of trauma from being a very young age up until my late teens, and listening to your radio station, and just listening to Owain doing this challenge, he's such an inspiration.

"I wish that something like this had been around when I [was] younger and I'm so proud of him. He's such a lovely guy and all the kids that are out there that will get help from him doing something like this, he should be so proud of himself.

"Keep going boy, honestly, you're such an inspiration and I'm sending you lots of love and lots of best wishes, and, do you know what Vernon? What you're doing, what all of you are doing on Radio 2, is absolutely wonderful. Keep going darling, bye."

Vernon Kay has done his own Children in Need challenge(Image: Getty)

Following the message, Vernon joked that his assistant producer Janine Maya-Smith had been "cutting onions" in the studio, as everyone was visibly moved. The presenter remarked: "Thank you Tracy, really appreciate that. Janine, I think it's really rude of you to cut onions whilst Tracy was on there.

"I mean look at us, all four of us, that plucked at the heartstrings. So, obviously, Tracy has been through it and, back in the day, there was no one there to support her.

"But, thankfully, Children in Need is around now, and as we've just heard first-hand from Tracy, she would have absolutely benefited from Children in Need helping her as a young person, and helping her progress through life and, obviously, that voice note was very emotional for Tracy. So, Tracy, we really appreciate you getting in touch."

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

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