A YOUNG woman from Rhoose was a big winner in the Pride of Britain Awards, which were broadcast by ITV on Thursday, 24th October.
Molly Leonard from Rhoose was amazed to be awarded the Kings Trust Young Achiever of the Year, on a national stage for her contributions to her community.
Molly, 26, was awarded her Pride of Britain recognition for her drive towards not only overcoming her own health struggles and helping other people going through similar experiences, but by making a difference in people’s lives with her crafting talent.
Ashley Banjo, from the dance group Diversity and James Corden presented the award to Molly. James Corden spoke about his love for Barry and said The Vale is ‘’basically his home”.
King Charles’ words were included in a letter to Molly. He wrote ‘’On this 25th anniversary of the Pride of Britain awards, I send my warmest admiration to all of this year’s winners. You each represent the very best in our society.’’
Sir Keir Starmer also expressed his admiration, saying ‘’They embody everything that is great about Britain.’’
Molly had struggled in silence with an eating disorder from the age of 15. In 2022, she revaluated her life, ditching the conventional path for one fuelled by her love for crafts and mindfulness. With support from the Kings Trust, and then the Princes Trust, Molly founded her own business, offering mindful craft workshops in Ssouth Wales.
Crafting and mindfulness were Molly’s anchors during her darkest moments. Now, she intertwines her personal journey with her passion, empowering others to discover their own healing paths. It’s more than just learning a skill, it’s about embracing self-discovery and empowerment.
Molly said: “In my last admission to hospital, my health deteriorated but something switched in my mind. I needed these vicious cycles to end. An occupational health professional at Bristol University Hospital introduced me to the King’s Trust (the Princes Trust at the time). The workshops I was conducting to help myself and others during our time in hospitals can be a part of their enterprise programme. The Princes Trust were able to put plans in place for when I felt better, I had an opportunity of a lifetime to start my very own business.’’
As a young ambassador, Molly knew she wanted to do something with her life and that she wanted to make a difference. After she had suffered for so long, she realised she wanted to encourage people to get talking and to help change people’s lives. She saw the impact her crafting workshops had on everyone around her. ‘’This is only the start’’ she says.
Molly has gone onto working with Cardiff Youth Service and is building her own community interest business where she shares her experiences, teaches crafting and promotes free programmes to help others.
The biggest obstacle in her way was herself, she says. But with the support of the Kings Trust and her family members, she was able to tell her story and highlight the issues of a silent society.
Molly urges people, from all walks of life, to reach out to organisations like the Kings Trust if they are feeling stuck and needing help.
‘’Even if you’re not sure what you want to do. Reaching out is the start of a possible amazing journey. I have been privileged to be a part of this journey.‘’
The Pride of Britain award winner now runs her own community interest business. If you would like to know more you can visit her website craftwithme.co.uk
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