Gemma Atkinson was emotional and said her mascara was running after friends sprang a surprise baby shower for her. The 38-year-old Hits Radio host, who is pregnant with her second child with Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez, was treated to a celebration when she thought she was going to a business meeting as president of Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Edenfield.
In a video clip shared on her Instagram Stories Gemma, who is expecting a baby boy this summer, said she was still in shock from the thoughtful surprise. "Well I'm still in shock from that surprise baby shower," she said into the camera. "Crikey my mascara's ran," she said. "I thought I was going for a meeting."
Animal lover Gemma, who has two dogs Ollie and Norman, thought she was going to discuss the next open day at Bleakholt so was stunned to find cakes, treats and gifts waiting for her with the ladies that she took part with in the CoppaFeel! cancer charity challenge. "They all drove from all over the place," said a grateful Gemma. "They've got so much stuff going on and s*** to deal with. It was really really lovely."
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Down-to-earth Emmerdale and Hollyoaks beauty Gemma then joked about turning up in an outfit to meet the dogs at Bleakholt as she posted "ewwww" and "disgusting" over her video message. She explained that she'd 'rocked up' in "scruffy leggings, a T-shirt and a body warmer full of poo bags."
She explained: "I thought I'd nip up to the sanctuary and see some dogs," she said. And she added: "It's the memories that count isn't it?"
Sharing a collection of treasured photos from the party in her honour the doting mum of three-year-old Mia wrote: "Wow! What an afternoon. My agent told me today I had a meeting with Bleakholt to sort our next open day.
"I arrived to a surprise baby shower hosted by Team Gemma. The incredible ladies I trekked with and camped with for a week on the @coppafeelpeople cancer charity challenge. To say I was shocked is an understatement."
She continued: "Since day one i knew each of these women were special. Each of their own individual fights and/ or connections to that s****y disease blows my mind. They are the most mentally strong group I’ve ever been around. As well as kind, funny and a tad crazy which I love.
"Today they drove from all over the country to my local village and it means so much. They even had a zoom set up at the end of the table for those that couldn’t make it so they could also join us I’ve come home with SO many gifts for little man and Mia.
"They thought of everything. We’re already planning our next hike up in the Lake District! I’ll always be thankful I said yes to that trek as it’s brought me life long friends.
"Thank you ladies, and thank you Duncan and Ian who also came especially! Their first ever baby shower. They were our camp leaders on the trek and we’ve made them part of Team Gemma ever since weather they like it or not. Thank you @heartsforhomescoffeeshop for being such lovely hosts."
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