The power of the MWOTY network worked its magic again this month, with an invitation from Fiona Creed at Hope Street Hotel allowing a member of St Helens Bees Netball Club to meet a sporting legend.
Year 5 “Queen Bee” Eryn represented the club, which was founded by Leanne Hobin, runner up in MWOTY 2024’s Inspirational Women category, at “An Evening With Katarina Johnson-Thompson” at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall.
According to Leanne, Eryn was absolutely inspired and soaked up the wisdom from the two-time World Champion, double Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and Olympic silver medallist.
After meeting Katarina, Eryn said: “It was so good. She talked about building resilience, never giving up, and being determined to achieve your dreams. Another good message was about body image—she used to doubt herself when she was younger but has built a strong, healthy mind. I got her book, and I’m already on page 29, oh, and she has two dogs! She was nice to talk to, and I asked her their names: Chorizo and Bronx!”
Eryn’s dad, Ste, added: “What a fantastic opportunity for Eryn! These are the role models that girls need. It was truly inspiring to hear about her journey, the ups and downs she faced, and how she overcame tough times in both her professional and personal life. One quote from KJT that particularly resonated with me was, ‘Live for the moment because it is just a moment.’
“This quote encourages mindfulness and an appreciation for the present. It reminds us that life is made up of fleeting instances, each unique and transient. Because these moments pass quickly, it’s essential to fully experience and value them rather than being overly consumed by worries about the past or future. This message is incredibly powerful and something I hope Eryn will carry with her.”
In a Facebook post after the event, Leanne said: “Katarina’s talk wasn’t just about athletics—it was about life. She shared her journey, from devastating injuries to standing tall on the podium, proving that resilience, courage, and determination can help us conquer challenges in any field.
“Whether you dream of being a teacher, builder, actor, or NETBALLER, her story is a powerful reminder to stay the course, even when the road gets bumpy. Thank you, MWOTY and Fiona for this unforgettable opportunity. You’re helping us show our young Bees the importance of dreaming big and staying strong! .”
You can find out more about St Helens Bees Netball Club here.
