Dancing On Ice star Mollie Pearce has partnered with eight-year-old stoma patient and Instagram influencer Katie Thirling to raise awareness about children’s bowel and bladder health in a national campaign.
During World Continence Week, June 16 to 22, the Nailsea-born TV personality joined forces with schoolgirl Katie to support ERIC, The Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity, based in Bristol. Their campaign aims to break the stigma surrounding bowel health—an issue affecting 1.5 million children in the UK, or roughly one in nine—many of whom suffer in silence out of fear and isolation.
Mollie, who lives with a stoma following a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis at 18, shared her story: “Having a stoma hasn’t stopped me from living my life, and now I can talk openly about it. But so many young people suffer in silence, feeling scared and alone. That’s why ERIC is so important—they provide advice, support, and a listening ear to families facing these challenges. They need our help to continue making a difference.”
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The pair appeared in a social media video for ERIC’s Summer Appeal, which hopes to raise £10,000 to fund its helpline and support services. In the past year alone, ERIC has assisted over 6,000 families via its helpline and engaged more than 2,000 participants through online webinars, while its website saw around 1.6 million visits. Despite this, increasing demand and financial pressures threaten the charity’s ability to sustain these vital services.
Katie, who also has a stoma, has endured years of painful bowel conditions and severe constipation, requiring frequent hospital visits and manual disimpactions. On April 2, she underwent surgery to have her stoma formed—a procedure she affectionately calls her ‘diamond’ because of how it transformed her life.
“We decided on the stoma because my body really needed a rest,” Katie explained. “It’s made a huge difference—I feel better and can be at school more instead of in hospital. I’m learning so much more now.”
Her mother, Kelly, praised ERIC’s support during their journey: “Calling ERIC’s helpline was a lifeline. The advisors are incredibly knowledgeable and truly understand what families go through. It’s comforting to have a trusted source for information and support, especially when even doctors sometimes shy away from talking about these issues.”
Katie shares her experiences on Instagram (@katies.stoma.journey), connecting with other families facing similar challenges. Meeting Mollie was a highlight: “Seeing Mollie on TV with her stoma inspired me the day I found out I’d have surgery. She made me feel proud and less alone. After meeting her, I knew no one should be ashamed of bowel conditions. We all need to break the stigma.”
Together, Mollie and Katie hope their campaign will encourage donations to ERIC’s Summer Appeal, helping children across the UK feel supported and heard.