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Note: The article that follows addresses topics such as suicide that some readers may find disturbing.
Strictly Come Dancing Judge Shirley Ballas inspired the nation by highlighting mental health while conquering the mighty Kilimanjaro.
This year, the Comic Relief Star Challenge organized for Red Nose Day sent nine celebrities to Tanzania to follow in the footsteps of Cheryl and Alesha Dixon's 2009 fundraiser.
The crew this time included Shirley Ballas, former Strictly competitors Ed Balls and Anita Rani, Island of love Dani Dyer, Jade Thirlwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock of Little Mix, Breakfast bbc presenter Dan Walker, the NFL star, Osi Umenyiora and useless host Alexander Armstrong.
Chris Jackson / Getty Images for Comic Relief
Billed as The biggest rise of red noseOn Wednesday (March 13th), the BBC One special was both a difficult and inspiring watch as viewers watched the nine celebrities fight fiercely against the elements.
Everyone's struggle was different. Many mountaineers struggled against altitude sickness, while Little Mix constantly had Ed Balls sing their hit songs all along the mountain.
But for Shirley, the experience has been extremely personal. The judge at the ballroom had to deal with panic attacks and altitude sickness as her rise was in memory of her dead brother.
BBC
Shirley has publicly stated that she has been struggling for a long time for her brother David to be killed by suicide. As part of Wednesday's special, she had the chance to meet a man, Paul, who had already considered suicide but who had changed with the help of the CALM organization.
"I think my brother would be proud of me," she reflected on the camp. "So, I'm going to do it for him, if it means sleeping in a tent and being disorganized, I'll do it, I'll do my best, for sure."
Viewers have been deeply affected by the Strictly tribute of the star to his deceased brother:
The intense physical struggle and the emotional turmoil paid off in the end, when Shirley and the rest of his team finally reached the top of the mountain after seven exhausting days!
"I can not even speak, I'm exhausted," she beamed as they approached the summit. "I'm just waiting for a hug!"
BBC
The country is very proud of the courageous efforts of the nine mountaineers:
Once the hike was over, Shirley Ballas spoke with emotion about the fact that her brother's memory had kept her even though she was at a low ebb.
"I was overwhelmed by my fatigue," she recalls. "You're starting to get confused." I felt that I could hear my brother leaving, "Shirley's." It was really strange.
"But I had to remember that I did it for David and for all those who have mental health problems."
HandoutGetty Images
Congratulations to nine celebrities for inspiring the nation with their perseverance.
A full Comic Relief fundraising evening will continue on Friday, March 15th. Click here to help people in the UK and abroad by making a contribution to Comic Relief.
We encourage all those who identify with the topics covered in this article to make themselves known. Among the organizations that can offer support are the Samaritans at 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) and Mind at 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.ukIn the United States, readers are encouraged to contact the National suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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