Achi news desk-
ZOE Ball paid a heartfelt tribute to her late mother Julia this evening as she shared details of her funeral.
Julia died of pancreatic cancer last month just 12 weeks after being diagnosed.
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Yesterday her family celebrated her life, with Zoe, 53, telling fans her mum would have loved the service.
Next to a collection of family photos that were uploaded to InstagramZoe wrote: “Yesterday we said goodbye to our dear mother, Grandma J. It was the perfect day and she would have loved it.
“Forever with us hearts Mom, thank you for your magic and love. Miss you so much but hold each other tight.
“Thank you to everyone who sent kind messages, cards and flowers. Big love to the many of you who shared your loss and heartbreak with us, to those battling cancer or 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. Some days it’s so hard to be brave.”
Zoe said she and her brother Jamie would be collecting donations future For St Peter and St James Hospice in Haywards Heath and Pancreatic Cancer UK.
There were then thanks to those involved in the service including her children Woody, 23, and Nelly14, who read the obituaries.
The wake took place inside Pangdean Barn which Zoe called “the most magnificent place” at the foot of the South Downs.
radio 2 DJ Zoe announced the passing of her mother Julia on social media last month. She hasn’t been on the radio since.
Posting on X, Zoe said: “sleep Close, dear mother.
“Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy.
“And how, even in the darkest days, laughter is the greatest of gifts.
“We are deserted without you but we will hold each other tight.”
Zoe’s son Woody said: “Today I say goodbye to Grandma J, thank you for being a wonderful woman.
“The only person who always sent me a Valentine’s card.”
The announcement came just days after Zoe revealed her mother had been moved to hospice following her diagnosis.
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She said then on the broadcast: “Mom is in hospice now, it’s quite difficult for the family right now.
“I just want to say thank you to John, Scarlett and Charlie, both Charles, actually, and Sophie and Laura who really look after mum.”
“Things are really hard for my mom right now, just sending lots of love.
“I love you mom.”
After the performance, Zoe was flooded with messages from supportive listeners.
B Twitter post, she shared a message thanking her fans along a to take pictures of a bluebell tree.
Zoe said: “Thank you for all your kindness. The messages, letters and cards to our mum mean the world.
“Strength and love to the families and the many people who have been touched by cancer.
“Holding tight and so grateful to the amazing people looking after our mum. We passed these bells on the way to the hospice.”
The star has previously spoken about her complicated relationship with Julia after her parents split.
Zoe previously said: “I haven’t seen my mum Julia for a few years – she was very young when she married my dad and gave birth to me.
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“When they separated I lived with my father and my second ‘mother’, his wife Diane.”
But Zoe and Julia have become very close in recent years and Zoe supported her mother after her husband died in 2013.
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