BBC Radio 1 host Greg James has said he hopes life will be "calmer and less intense" following the death of his beloved dog Barney, having headed on a "grief trip" with his wife, Bella Mackie.
The 40-year-old presenter and his wife, 43, travelled to mourn the loss of their chocolate Labrador Barney, who died earlier this month. The couple made a cross-country trip with a stop-off in Lancashire before making their way to the Lake District.
A 1,000-mile journey in a 1999 Renault Espace
Sharing several photos from the journey on Instagram, Greg wrote: "Drove 1000 miles around the UK in a Renault Espace from 1999 and listened to Phoebe Bridgers’ album 87 times, so yeah I think I’m dealing with it all just fine thanks!"
The presenter went on to thank his social media followers for their messages of support after Barney’s death, as well as his father Alan Milward’s stroke and heart surgeries earlier this year.
He wrote: "To be serious for a moment… thank you for your lovely messages about Barney. And my dad. And just about everything this year. Whether out and about or via our parasocial relationship. It has meant a great deal."
"The worst but in many ways the best year"
Barney's death comes after Greg's father's stroke and heart surgeries earlier this year. He continued: "It’s been in some ways the worst but in many ways the best year. If I think back to all the fun of the show which included all the Comic Relief stuff, I feel so lucky to have a life like this and to have such brilliant people in it. Whether on here or in person.
"I just hope things can be a little calmer and less intense for a bit. But I’m healing well! So much fun to come through and I can’t wait to be back on the show tomorrow!"
Fans share their support
Greg was flooded with support. @homeprojectno4 said: "We’ve stayed there - a beautiful place . Barney would be happy to see your adventures." @joannalcollett commented: "Nice to see you taking some time to heal. Some people don’t appreciate how hard it is when you lose your pet, and what an important part of the family they are."
@annaajo46 replied: "The world needs more people like you guys. Even through your grief you continue to make other people smile. Sending you both love and hugs." @steffalillie wrote: "Epic rest/wife/car break Greg. Well deserved. We can’t wait to have you back." @when.sad.boys.cry added: "Sending heavenly love to Barney, what a good boy!"
During the trip, Greg and Bella stopped off at The Inn at Whitewell in Lancashire, where they were told the late Queen stayed on her 80th birthday. The couple also went paddleboarding, with Greg saying Barney "would’ve been proud" of Bella and later went swimming in Windermere.
Barney's legacy and family health struggles
Greg adopted Barney from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 2019 and his pet built up a loyal fanbase as he and Bella shared regular updates about him. The dog was also a patient of Supervet star Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, who previously said Barney had multiple treatments for his arthritic joints, including a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament.
Meanwhile, Greg's father suffered a stroke during a planned heart operation in March. He later had to undergo another heart surgery in June, with the radio presenter saying he would have "a long road to recovery."
