» VBites of wisdom
Heather Mills on re-entering the media spotlight for Dancing On Ice
Why would someone with good reason to complain about media intrusion and harassment go on a show like Dancing On Ice? You may well be asking this since I’m taking part in the show and, over the past few months, I’ve written in this column about the negative sides of media attention and celebrity culture. But I have also always said that the media can be used for good when it is a platform for education and promoting worthy causes.
Dancing On Ice is a fantastic opportunity for me to bring attention to the many charity campaigns I support. And this is why I am willing to expose myself once again to the media’s harsh glare. The attention my taking part receives really has a positive impact on charities that just can’t generate that kind of media coverage on their own. Taking part in Dancing On Ice shines the media spotlight on the many charities I support.
Be honest, would you have been able to even say what continent Darfur is on if it wasn’t for George Clooney (let alone know about the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of innocent men, women and children)? My commitment to the charities I support is not about wanting to get attention for myself. I’ve been campaigning behind the scenes for animal rights, environmental issues and human rights for over 20 years now. These days the best way I have of generating charity income is by putting myself in front of the camera. And do you know why? Because this is what the public demands.
“Ice skating is the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. I couldn’t find any other amputees to advise me, and now I know why”
Training over the past few months has been so hard. I can tell you, ice-skating is the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. Dancing and even skiing is a doddle in comparison! I couldn’t find any other amputees to advise me, and now I know why – techinically it is almost impossible when the ankle on my leg won’t bend. But I’m really determined, and I don’t care if I’m the worst skater there. It isn’t just my charities that benefit from my taking part. I am always looking to inspire other amputees to be brave and try new things. If I can encourage just one amputee to have a go at something they’ve never tried before, I will have been a success in my eyes.
Every week I’m still in the show helps others less fortunate than you or me. If you can pick up the phone and vote for me each week, it’ll be very much appreciated, and not just by me.
Heather’s diary
So much of my time has been taken up by Dancing on Ice but this hasn’t stopped me from planning two great Valentine’s Day celebrations at VBites. The first, on 6 February, is for Brighton and Hove’s gay couples, and the second is a singles night on 13 February. Both are going to be so much fun.
You may think I would be justified in not wanting anything to do with sport after all the exercise I’ve been having – but you’d be wrong! I’m already thinking ahead to the Brighton Half Marathon and we’re having a Pasta Party at VBites from 18 to 20 February to help the runners consume as many carbs as they can beforehand.
Tom Kai Gai Soup with Rice Noodles
Serves 4
Ingredients
1 packet rice noodles – follow instructions on packet
1 pint of button mushrooms sliced thick
1 pint of Shitake mushrooms sliced thick
2 whole jalepenos sliced long
4 stalks of green onions sliced long
batch of fresh cilantro, leave a little for garnish
1 lemongrass cut to about 2-3 inches, bruised
5 kaffir lime leaves, sliced (remove middle stem)
2 cans of coconut milk
2 tbsp of sugar
1 tsp of salt
1 tbsp of boullion
3 tbsp of tamarind
3 cups of water
2 tbsp chilli paste
Method:
1 Put the can of coconut milk in pan, wait for it to boil.
2 Add lemongrass, lime leaves, sugar, salt, boullion, tamarind.
3 Add the other can of coconut milk and the water.
4 Add sliced jalepenos and mushrooms.
5 Stir gently, add chilli paste.
6 Once boiled add onions and cilantro.
7 Serve over rice noodles and sprinkle with a little cilantro to garnish.
