A Rhoose woman who overcame a serious illness to start her own craft business was among those honoured at the Pride of Britain Awards.
Molly Leonard was named the King's Trust Young Achiever of the Year at the star-studded ceremony in London, shown on ITV last Thursday.
She found solace in craft making after spending six years in and out of hospital with an eating disorder.
During long spells as an in-patient, Molly (26) found mindful crafting helped her with both her physical and mental health.
She began to run mindful crafting sessions for other patients to share her skills, having learned to knit from her grandmother when she was a child.
“That’s where it all began", she said. "We made pompom penguins, bracelets, anything we could. Then my occupational therapist suggested it was something I could do as a business and told me about The Trust.”
Two years ago, Molly contacted The King's Trust to seek advice about turning her hobby into a business, after seeing the impact her sessions had on fellow hospital patients.
She said: “I had no job and no money, just an idea and a need to get out of the downward spiral I was in. I needed a change in my life so I made a call and was soon on the Enterprise course."
"Before long I was holding workshops in my local library. The Trust has been with me throughout, supporting me as I kept proving to myself I could do things I’d never thought possible.”
Since leaving hospital, Molly has continued her mindful crafting sessions with primary schools, museums and groups across Cardiff and the Vale.
Molly also returned to Cardiff Metropolitan University on a Preparing to Teach course and is now aiming to continue growing her business.
Earlier this year, she became a young ambassador with the King's Trust, which nominated her for the award presented by Gavin and Stacey star James Corden.
She said: “I was stuck, in-and-out of hospital, with no motivation. I could see no future for myself, couldn’t see myself getting past my eating disorder. I believed I’d let everyone down so there was no point in trying."
“Around this time I was almost put under palliative care. The King’s Trust gave me hope. I started achieving little things, the little things got bigger and I’m now where I am. It’s crazy. I’m honoured to have been nominated for a Pride of Britain award, let alone win one. It’s beyond anything I could have imagined.”
Leanne Davies, a senior lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said: "It is not often that I see someone who can inspire learners to just have a go at something, but Molly has the ability to engage all learners through her love of creative arts in schools, colleges and in adult and community-based settings as well."
“Starting the course as a shy and overly self-critical young learner, Molly never gave up. As an entrepreneur, starting her own business, gaining teaching skills and sharing best practice to others, as well as overcoming physical and mental challenges along the way, Molly has come so far."
"She has even said she is interested in continuing with the PGCE PCET at Cardiff Met to gain the full teaching qualification. A totally inspirational young learner!"
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