'It saves on therapy': Jo Whiley says exercise helps her manage stress and self-esteem issues

Radio presenter says she wants to 'spread the word about the power of sport in changing lives'

Jo Whiley has revealed the transformative effect exercise has had on her life.

Next month, the BBC Radio 2 presenter will undertake three triathlons in three days as part of Sport Relief’s "Dare Tri" campaign.

Whiley will start the challenge in Cardiff on 11 March alongside her colleagues Kate Bottley and Richie Anderson, before completing a second triathlon in Glasgow on 12 March and finishing with a third in Manchester on 13 March.

While the presenter said she had to be “dragged into it” the first time she attempted a triathlon, she now believes that the training has changed her life for the better.

“I roped in a whole load of other friends as well to do it with me and it was life changing for all of us because none of us were mega-sporty people, we weren't those people that were out running constantly,” Whiley explained.

"But it's having a challenge, having something to focus on and work towards and muddle our way through.”

The 54-year-old added that she and her friends have all benefited from the experience in different ways and now want to “spread the word about the power of sport in changing lives”.

“I think for me it helped on days when I was struggling, whether it was with stress or self-worth or just wanting to feel better about life. And it completely made me feel better about life I think,” Whiley said.

”It was probably not as dramatic for me as it was for other friends but it instantly gave me a sense of purpose and it's something that is part of my life constantly now, going running and swimming or getting out there and being active.”

The radio DJ added that while she used to “muddle” her way through life, exercise has helped her gain more focus and build better relationships with family and friends.

“I just do it all the time, whereas my life didn't used to be like that, so I just feel fitter and happier than I used to be and that is because I've started doing sport,” she said.

"I do it with my family as well, and friends, I feel like I've got really good relationships with people that I probably never would have been friends with but we go out and we do do sport together and have become really good friends.

“It saves on therapy, we just gossip and talk and help each other out.”

The three-day event will see Whiley, Bottley and Anderson take on freezing cold open water swims, cycle routes and runs in three different UK cities, across three nations.

BBC Radio 2 listeners can follow the group's progress by listening to the station. Whiley will continue to host her regular Radio 2 evening show throughout the event.

The funds raised for Sport Relief will go towards the charity’s efforts to helping people struggling with homelessness, domestic abuse, mental health and child poverty.

Find out more about how you can get involved here.