Shape I'm In: No diets on the menu for Sharon Ní Bheoláin

RTE News: Six One co-anchor Sharon Ní Bheoláin, believes in giving back.

A life-long advocate of animal welfare, she is also an ambassador for IBTS, encouraging us all to give blood.

Last year she was invited to see close up the work of ActionAid in Malawi.

“Hearing first hand accounts of violence, abuse and neglect suffered by women and young girls, many not much older than my own daughter, Faye, was truly harrowing,” says Sharon, 42.

When she met Joyce Mustaffa and Zione Mkwanda they were two timid young girls who had never attended school, the €6 cost of a uniform beyond their families means.

“At nine years they were exactly the same age as Faye, yet Joyce and Zione, unschooled and lacking in confidence, were undoubtedly vulnerable to early arranged marriage.

“Thanks to ActionAid and their community-funded mothers group, Joyce and Zione are now in school, they’re learning and growing in confidence with every passing day.

“A basic human right, education is afforded to too few girls in Malawi. Just 24% finish primary school and 7% see out secondary school.

“I’m aware that so many Irish families are struggling to make ends meet this Christmas, but I would ask anyone who has the will and the means to help fund girls’ education in Malawi to do so. Your gift will have a profound effect and could change a girl’s life forever.”

Sharon, whose partner is vet Finbarr Heslin, has gone public recently about looking to do something different, to mix things up at work. What’s not about to change is her determination to help the vulnerable women and girls of Malawi.

* Sharon recently launched ActionAid’s ethical gift range Gifts in Action, which includes four new gifts for 2013 www.actionaid.ie/giftsinaction

What shape are you in?

Fit as a flea but two knackered knees from years of running are affecting my general fitness regime.

Do you have any health concerns?

Only as far as my daughter is concerned. Thank God she’s as healthy as a trout but, like any mum, the idea of her ever falling ill induces panic in me.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I’m a terrible eater and a rubbish cook. I eat what I want when I want. I’ve never dieted and don’t own a weighing scales. At best I try to follow the everything-in-moderation mantra, oftentimes including moderation itself.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Rioja, cheddar and nutty brown bread with lashings of butter of course.

What would keep you awake at night?

Having made a mistake or screwing up on a task. I’m very hard on myself.

How do you relax?

Listening to beautiful music — sacred arias and requiems. I love the Bach cantatas.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Jose Mourinho, Woody Allen, Leonard Cohen, and my partner Finbarr Heslin. Maybe Anne Doyle, too. She’d be able to keep The Special One in check. Having heard Miriam O’Callaghan’s interview with Edna O’Brien recently, I’d be honoured to make her acquaintance too. Such a wise, generous and refreshingly honest woman.

What’s your favourite smell?

Tom Ford’s Black Orchid. Its musky and heavy and feels quite decadent. I’m not even sure if it’s a female scent but I love it. I generally prefer old-lady scents to sweeter, floral aromas. I also like Blue Grass by Elizabeth Arden and 4711 cologne. I prefer citrus scents.

What would you change about your appearance?

Nothing. I couldn’t care less about my appearance.

When did you last cry?

A long time ago. Possibly watching Amour, the Palme d’Or winner 2012. Cried me a river...

What trait do you least like in others?

Malicious gossip.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

My temper. I have a decent patience threshold but when that’s breached a red mist descends and the result is not pretty. Thankfully, I’m not provoked too often.

Do you pray?

To my shame — when I really want something He gets an earful.

What would cheer up your day?

Hearing José, Woody and Leonard had accepted my dinner invitation.