Well-known foodie, presenter and author Bianca Rodrigues-Perry is releasing the latest episode of her Bia’s Kitchen Show on Sunday in which she turns the spotlight on Molly Ollys founder Rachel Ollerenshaw.
Rachel established Molly Ollys with husband Tim in 2011 following the death of their eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.
The Warwickshire-based charity works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing. As well as providing more than 4,300 wishes to date, they donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.
Olly The Brave is a therapeutic toy that helps children understand their treatment journey. Along with a set of books from the charity’s exclusive Olly The Brave series, stock the lion and books now been handed out to more than 70 hospitals or health centres to distribute to children undergoing treatment. Olly has his own Hickman line and a detachable mane which helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy.
Part of more than £5m raised to date, has also been used to fund the first consultant in paediatric medicine at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and pay for the training of a further two consultants.
The episode, which airs from Sunday, will see Bianca recreate a special chicken soup, a favourite of Molly’s, whilst in conversation with Rachel, to learn more about the incredible work of the charity.
Rachel said:
“When undergoing cancer treatment your tastes can change and foods that you previously liked are suddenly less appealing. Having nutritious meals is really important to try and keep us as healthy as possible and Molly certainly tried to fill up with lots of healthy stuff, as well as comfort foods on days when she was struggling."
“Molly was a fan of chicken soup so it was lovely for Bia to make a twist on one of her favourites. I am very grateful to Bia for inviting me to do this very poignant show for Mother’s Day. What is also special is that my mum who is no longer alive also made a delicious chicken soup so here's to her too!”
Since January 2024 Bia’s Kitchen Show has highlighted some of the best of the area’s foodie scene when it is streams twice-monthly to audiences on YouTube, Spotify, Instagram and Facebook. The show is an extension of her successful Bia’s Kitchen brand, featuring local independent chefs and restaurateurs cooking signature dishes as well as her own top tips and recipes.
As well as championing local independent businesses, the passion project is also rooted in her own desire to support charities, including other special episodes dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness and, coming soon, Coventry Foodbank. The proceeds of her first recipe book, released at the end of last year, are also being donated to a cause close to her heart, Coventry and Warwickshire Mind.
Of the upcoming Mother’s Day episode, Bianca, from Leamington Spa, said:
"I am truly honoured to have had Rachel join us, and to have the opportunity to cook one of Molly's favourite dishes, Chicken Soup."
Hearing Rachel's story was incredibly moving. She has taken the unimaginable pain of losing a child and transformed it into a powerful force of strength and hope. Through Molly Ollys, she continues Molly’s legacy by providing invaluable support to countless children and their families. It is a testament to the incredible impact one person can have in spreading love and hope during challenging times.
“This is one of the reasons I created Bia's Kitchen Show—to use this platform for good in the world. By sharing stories like Rachel's, we aim to inspire others to make positive changes in their communities. Our show is a celebration of resilience, compassion and the power of coming together to make a difference."
Viewers tuning in for the special episode will also have the chance to win a Molly Ollys Gin Basket, containing Molly Ollys Pink Gin, distilled by Shakespeare Distillery, plus other branded items.
