Entertainment uk celebrityCarol Vorderman

Carol Vorderman Gives Update On Solo Round-The-World Flight Plans After Mum's Terminal Cancer Diagnosis

She called off the challenge after the news about 88-year-old Jean.
Open Image Modal
By 

Entertainment Editor, HuffPost UK

Carol Vorderman has admitted she has no immediate plans to reschedule her round-the-world solo flight, following her mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis. 

The former ‘Countdown’ star confirmed reports she has called off the jaunt, which would have seen her travel through Europe, Russia, Asia, the Pacific Ocean and the US.

Open Image Modal
Carol Vorderman has called off her plans to fly solo across the world
David M. Benett via Getty Images

Opting to spend as much time as possible with her mum, Jean, Carol told the Daily Express she doesn’t know when she will be able to reschedule the challenge.  

“It all depends what happens at home,” she said. “It would be foolish to say it will be definitely next year, it might be the year after, so I don’t want to say definitely.”

The former ‘Loose Women’ panellist continued: “I’m going to reboot after Easter because I have lots going on at home and you have to have your head on to fly. It takes your whole brain, so people find it calming.”

Carol obtained her pilot’s licence in 2014 and had planned to fly around the globe in her twin-engine propeller plane nicknamed Mildred.

Open Image Modal
Carol's mother, Jean, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer
Dave Hogan via Getty Images

Last month, Carol shared an emotional Mother’s Day message on Twitter, revealing her mother’s heartbreaking diagnosis.

She wrote: “This [week] Mum and I found out she has terminal cancer. She’s 88, beautiful inside and out and I love her beyond measure.”

Later, she shared a snap on her page which showed her whole family sitting down for Mother’s Day lunch, explaining that they’d all enjoyed their day, despite the tragic news.

Throughout her presenting career, Carol has always spoken about her close relationship with her mother, and it was the 88-year-old who first sent off Carol’s application to star in ‘Countdown’ back in the early 1980s.

Carol Vorderman
Cirque Du Soleil Kooza: London European Premiere Outside Arrival(01 of26)
Open Image Modal
Carol Vorderman arrives for the European Premiere of the latest Cirque Du Soleil show Kooza, at the Royal Albert Hall in central London, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
London Gala Screening of Summer In February(02 of26)
Open Image Modal
Carol Vorderman at the London Gala Screening of Summer In February on Monday, June 10th, 2013 at Curzon Mayfair, London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Chambury/Invision/AP) (credit:Richard Chambury/Invision/AP)
Britain I Can't Sing Press Night(03 of26)
Open Image Modal
British personality Carol Vorderman poses for photographers at the I Can't Sing Press Night, Wednesday, March 26, 2014 in London. I Canât Sing! The X Factor Musical is a new musical comedy written by Harry Hill and produced by Simon Cowell. (Photo by John Phillips/Invision/AP Images) (credit:John Phillips/Invision/AP)
Carol Vorderman ISME Photocall - London(04 of26)
Open Image Modal
Carol Vorderman modelling the AW13 Fashion Collection for isme.com in Soho, London. (credit:PA)
British Inspiration Awards - London(05 of26)
Open Image Modal
Carol Vorderman arrives at the British Inspiration Awards at the Intercontinental Hotel in London. (credit:PA)
Carol Vorderman Switches On Christmas Lights - London(06 of26)
Open Image Modal
Carol Vorderman switches on the Mount Street Christmas Lights in Mayfair, London. (credit:PA)
The Pride of Britain Awards 2012 - London(07 of26)
Open Image Modal
Carol Vorderman at the 2012 Pride of Britain awards at Grosvenor House, London. (credit:PA)
Pride of Britain Awards - London(08 of26)
Open Image Modal
Carol Vorderman arriving for the Pride of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London. (credit:PA)
Galaxy National Book Awards - London(09 of26)
Open Image Modal
Carol Vorderman arrives at the Galaxy National Book Awards, at the BBC TV Centre in west London. (credit:PA)
National Television Awards 2012 - Arrivals - London(10 of26)
Open Image Modal
Carol Vorderman arriving for the 2012 NTA Awards at the O2, Greenwich, London (credit:PA)
Rear of The Year 2011 - London(11 of26)
Open Image Modal
TV presenter Carol Vorderman, this years winner of the Wizard jeans Rear of the Year award poses for pictures at The Dorchester Hotel, London. (credit:PA)
SHE Inspiring Women Awards - London(12 of26)
Open Image Modal
Carol Vorderman arriving for the SHE Inspiring Woman Awards, at Claridges in central London. (credit:PA)
The 2006 Television BAFTA Awards, Grosvenor House Hotel - London(13 of26)
Open Image Modal
Carol Vorderman arriving. (credit:PA)
Cirque Du Soleil Kooza European Premiere - Inside Arrivals(14 of26)
Open Image Modal
Carol Vorderman seen at the European premiere of Cirque Du Soleil Kooza at the Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013, in London. (Photo by Jon Furniss Photography/Invision/AP) (credit:Jon Furniss Photography/Invision/AP)
Princes Trust Comedy Gala 2012(15 of26)
Open Image Modal
Carol Vorderman is seen at Princes Trust Comedy Gala at the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, in London. (Photo by Jon Furniss/Invision/AP) (credit:Jon Furniss/Invision/AP)
Pride of Britain Awards London(16 of26)
Open Image Modal
Carol Vorderman arrives for the Pride of Britain Awards in Grosvenor Hotel, central London, which celebrate heroism and bravery, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain National Television Awards(17 of26)
Open Image Modal
Carol Vorderman arrives for the National Television Awards at the 02 Arena in east London, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Carol Vorderman Presents AW14 Isme Collection(18 of26)
Open Image Modal
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 05: Carol Vorderman attends a photocall to launch her AW14 collection for isme on June 5, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images) (credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
The Prince Of Wales And Duchess Of Cornwall Attend A Memorial Service For Sir David Frost(19 of26)
Open Image Modal
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 13: Carol Vorderman attends a memorial service for Sir David Frost at Westminster Abbey on March 13, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
The 2014 British Academy Games Awards - Arrivals(20 of26)
Open Image Modal
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 12: Carol Vorderman attends the 2014 British Academy Games Awards at Tobacco Dock on March 12, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Anthony Harvey/Getty Images) (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
British Comedy Awards - Red Carpet Arrivals(21 of26)
Open Image Modal
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 12: Carol Vorderman attends the British Comedy Awards at Fountain Studios on December 12, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Anthony Harvey/Getty Images) (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Pride Of Britain Awards - Red Carpet Arrivals(22 of26)
Open Image Modal
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 07: Carol Vorderman attends the Pride of Britain awards at Grosvenor House on October 7, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images) (credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
GQ 25th Anniversary(23 of26)
Open Image Modal
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 12: Carol Vorderman arrives for the GQ 25th Anniversary Exhibition at Phillips De Pury on November 12, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images) (credit:Stuart C. Wilson via Getty Images)
Vorderman to leave Loose Women(24 of26)
Open Image Modal
File photo dated 12/12/2013 of Carol Vorderman, who has said she is sad to be quitting Loose Women. (credit:Chris Radburn/PA Wire)
Motor Racing - Formula One World Championship - 2014 British Grand Prix - Practice 3 and Qualifying - Silverstone Circuit(25 of26)
Open Image Modal
Carol Vorderman sits in the Mercedes' garage during practice three for the 2014 British Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit, Towcester. PRESS ASSOCIASTION Photo. Picture date: Saturday July 5, 2014. See PA story AUTO British. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire. (credit:David Davies/PA Wire)
BAFTA Games Awards 2014 - London(26 of26)
Open Image Modal
Carol Vorderman arriving at the BAFTA Games Awards 2014, Tobacco Dock, London. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip