The wife of broadcaster Dr Michael Mosley said she has been overwhelmed by the “extraordinary” response from the public following his death.

The TV presenter and science journalist died of natural causes aged 67 after going missing on the Greek island of Symi.

Dr Clare Bailey Mosley told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme she had been left “breath-taken” by the public’s reaction, adding that it showed people had “really loved him”.

It comes as the BBC honours Dr Mosley across radio and TV on Friday and encourages audiences to do “just one thing” to improve their wellbeing.

Asked how she and her family are coping by the BBC’s Justin Webb, Dr Bailey Mosley said: “My children have been just incredible. I can’t tell you how much support they’ve given me and joy as well. Really difficult times. And family and friends.

“And to be honest, I’m still kind of breath-taken by the response from people across the country, across the world . It’s just extraordinary.

“He was quite a sort of quiet, humble man, and to have that sort of response is just extraordinary.”

Dr Mosley went missing last month after leaving a beach to go for a walk in Symi, where he was on holiday.

Following a high-profile search, rescue crews found the BBC Just One Thing podcast presenter’s body four days later in a rocky area.

Speaking on what Dr Mosley would have made of the outpouring of affection, his widow said: “He didn’t seek the limelight. He was quite shy, but loved what he did and was very good at it.”

She said she has a list of “caring” and “touching” tributes from people, adding the family has only just started looking at some letters as they were sent so many.

In a statement posted on Instagram on Thursday, Dr Bailey Mosley described it as “very hard” trying to piece her family’s lives back together.

“Grief can feel overwhelming. Light and beautiful. Catch you by surprise. Feel like the weight of a stone or a sharp pain. It changes unexpectedly,” she said.

“As people often say, it’s a journey, not all sad and you take each day at a time.”

But she hopes she can continue to share the message of her husband, who she said is present through the lives that he touched.

The BBC is holding a Just One Thing Day, named after his podcast where he revealed tips to help improve your health.

It will be focused on encouraging healthy habits by introducing easy routines or simple swaps into daily life to improve wellbeing.

The coverage will be included in programmes such as the Today programme, which will hear from people whose lives have been changed by Mosley’s tips, and TV shows Morning Live and The One Show, where Dr Mosley was a regular contributor.

“A day dedicated to the impact he had on people’s lives and to celebrate his legacy within broadcasting and beyond – it’s humbling and delightful all at once. We are so grateful,” Dr Bailey Mosley added.