12 Charity Challenges & Events Taking the plunge


Dancing On Ice star Mollie Pearce opens up about training for her toughest challenge yet. Words: Evelyn Richards


MOLLIE IS TAKING PART IN A CHARITY CHALLENGE FOR MARIE CURIE


16TH JANUARY 2025


NEW YEAR IN THE CAPITAL DISTRIBUTED WITH


She was a fan favourite on T e Traitors in 2024 and is currently lighting up the rink on Dancing on Ice, but reality star Mollie Pearce is preparing to take on her most personal challenge yet. T e 22-year-old will trade sequins for a wetsuit as she plunges into the icy waters of Cornwall this summer, swimming a mile across the Camel Estuary to raise money for the end-of-life care charity, Marie Curie. Braving the unpredictable tides


of the Padstow to Rock Swim on Friday 8th August, Mollie acknowledges that this challenge is unlike anything she’s ever done before. “I’ve swum a mile for charity before, when I was younger. But that was just in a pool, so this is way diff erent,” she admits. “I’m not a swimmer at all, but I’m hoping my cardio training from Dancing on Ice will help me with the challenge.” For Mollie, the cause is deeply


personal. Before fi nding fame, she worked as a healthcare assistant, and her experiences shaped her understanding of end-of-life care. Her perspective shifted further last year when she took part in a beauty campaign with Superdrug, raising money for Marie Curie. “I had the opportunity to speak with three Marie Curie nurses,” she


recalls. “T e conversations really opened my eyes and I realised how little we talk about end-of-life care. If we don’t have these conversations now, we don’t know what our loved ones want when the time comes.” Mollie is keen to raise awareness


about the vital work Marie Curie does: “T is charity is amazing. It’s not just there for patients but also for the families left behind. Death is something that will aff ect everyone, but the Marie Curie nurses made me realise it doesn’t have to be a terrible thing. We don’t need to fear it.” While she hasn’t set a specifi c


fundraising target, she’s determined to make a diff erence. “I just want to raise as much as I can,” she says. “I’m doing the swim with my brother, so I’m hoping between us we can make a lot.” Mollie is no stranger to


challenges, living with both limb diff erence and a stoma bag. Yet she refuses to let these defi ne her, or hold her back. “I want people living with a disability to know that anything is possible,” she says. “I don’t see my stoma or limb diff erence as a disability. You just have to make adjustments for it.” She’s even found a community


If we don’t have these conversations, we don’t know what our loved ones want when the time comes


Heralding spring at Chelsea Physic Garden


Visit this botanic garden in London to welcome in the new year with uplifting displays of snowdrops and spring plants. Use the free trail and map to guide you along winding paths through the Garden and glasshouses. Pick up a hot drink and a pastry


at the on-site cafe and enjoy a moment in nature this winter. T e shop will be


selling a


carefully selected range of winter and early spring plants — perfect for taking home your own piece of spring.


YOTAM OTTOLENGHI & ANDI OLIVER


HEADLINERS


Opening times: from Sunday 26 January, 11am-4pm. Tickets: £10 per person. Buy online or on the day. Members go free. Find out more online.


chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/heraldingspring SPONSORED BY


COOKING DEMOS | TASTING WORKSHOPS | MASTERCLASSES FULL-PRICE TICKETS FROM £25


BUSINES S DESIGN CENTRE, LONDON NGTR.UK/FOODFESTIVALLS


*OFFER ENDS 31 JANUARY 2025 AT 23:59. INCLUDES BOOKING FEE.


of support. “I met a fellow ostomate swimmer at an event and she gave me advice — like letting the bag open while swimming. I might call her for more tips!” As for her limb diff erence, Mollie is unfazed: “I don’t really need my hand for swimming, anyway!” T e Padstow to Rock Swim


promises to test Mollie’s resolve, but her determination is unwavering — for the reality star, it’s about making waves for a cause that matters deeply to her.


TICKETS ON SALE NOW!


£12.50* 50% SAVING


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16