Zoe Ball to raise money for cancer research after mum's death

Zoe Ball has promised to raise money for cancer research after her mum Julia died just 12 weeks after being diagnosed with the disease.

The 53-year-old radio presenter was left heartbroken when her mother passed away last month after a short battle with pancreatic cancer and Zoe gathered with her family this week to say goodbye at her funeral - and she has now vowed to dedicate her time to charity work in Julia's memory.

In a post on Instagram, Zoe wrote: "Yesterday we said goodbye to our dear Mama, Granny J. it was the perfect day and she would have loved it.

"Forever in our hearts Mama, thank you for your magic and love. missing you so much but holding tight to each other.

"Thank you to everyone who sent kind messages, cards and flowers. Big love to the many of you who have shared with us about your own loss and heartbreak, to those battling with cancer or looking after loved ones affected by cancer. We wish you all the strength and love. and of course the humour you need to keep going. Some days it's so hard to be brave."

Zoe went on to add: "My wonderful brother Jamie @tikikontiki and I will be fundraising in the future for the fantastic caring folk at @stpeterstjames @pancreaticcanuk let's hope one day more can be done to help those diagnosed.

"Our Mum was diagnosed In February, we lost her in just 12 weeks."

Zoe previously took time off from her presenting duties on ‘The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show’ on BBC 2 to look after her mother.

Gaby Roslin, 59, filled in for her and she sent her love to Zoe following news of her mum's death. Gabby said: "It's no secret Zoe has been off for a little while looking after her mum, Julia.

"Very sadly, Julia lost her fight yesterday and we're all obviously sending so much love to Zoe and the whole family. It’s a horrible, awful time - and I know so many of you have been through this, loving a parent and a loved one, and I think the one thing I'd like to pass on is, grief has no rule. There are no rules about this at all."