by Nadia Sinclair

Renowned television host, radio presenter, and unabashed adventurer Helen Cartwright stands as an exemplary figure in the United Kingdom. A chat with the effervescent woman reveals her discerning passion for outdoor activities and her secret formula for success.

With her infectious energy and warm persona, Helen Cartwright quickly captivates anyone within her proximity. The vibrant presenter gracefully carries her charm in front of the camera and behind it, effortlessly making her the chosen favourite of many households.

From her show on BBC 5Live, run on Strictly Come Dancing, to being an adored mother of three and a fearless adventurer, Cartwright masterfully balances her life. Her grounded spirit is the result of dedicated familial support and contentment in her career, which led Helen to become a distinguished household name.

The loveable radio host kick-started her career at Newsround prior to landing her dream role at Blue Peter, where she left an indelible mark between 2008 and 2013. Cartwright later gained recognition as the host of Countryfile and, recently, as the runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing. However, this 39-year-old champion, raised on a dairy farm outside Cumbria, loves her work on her hit Channel 5 show, “On The Farm,” where she displays her appreciation for farming.

When not in front of the camera, Cartwright loves indulging her adventurous spirit with extreme charity challenges like kayaking more than 2,000 miles down the Amazon River and biking 500 miles to the South Pole. Both these expeditions were completed to raise funds for Sport Relief. Clear that Cartwright can effortlessly claim the title of Fitness Queen, she graciously shares a glimpse of her life.

Your thirst for adventure seems deep-rooted. How did it come about?

‘Adventure is in my blood. My fondest childhood memories are of playing outdoor games and creating my own fun. I guess that sparked my adventurous side. The need for physical activity has always urged me to put my surplus energy to great use. Participating in charity adventure sports has been a blessed experience, with the 2,000-mile charity kayak run down the Amazon for Sport Relief in 2010 being the game-changer. It was absolutely life-altering.’

Your fitness energy is impressive. Was fitness always a part of your routine?

‘With three kids under the age of eight, you need an enormous amount of energy! Exercising helps maintain my inner calm and makes me better person overall. It’s not about the physical goals, for me it’s about the mental workout my brain gets. I love to keep my workouts fun and varied, so it ranges from netball and Zumba to running with the pram or HIIT sessions with the kids. I also adore cycling with my kids, it’s the best way to navigate our countryside home. Fresh food and hearty, healthy meals keep us going. Plus, living in a green area has allowed me to take up vegetable gardening, a habit that has stuck since the lockdown.’

Given your celebrated career, would you like to share the secret to your extraordinary success?

‘Stepping up little by little and focusing less on the big picture has always worked for me. For instance, handling the overwhelming responsibility of Strictly was eased by just loving the experience – both the highs and the lows. The fact that I managed to sustain the right mindset helped massively. Therefore, having a supportive network enabling me to concentrate on my job helped me sail through the weeks. Moreover, having Gorka Marquez as my dance partner was a boon, as we efficiently trained and completed our dance routines together. At the end of the day, we could not wait to get home to our kids. We learned how to balance our time by minimising idle chit-chat.’

What’s your favourite way to unwind and relax?

‘I resort to hitting some golf balls at the driving range or enlivening a punch bag kept handy at home. A hilly bike ride certainly de-stresses me, the uphill struggle followed by a relaxing downhill ride always does the trick.’

Care to share some tips for a happier workout?

‘Try and complete your workout outdoors to benefit from the fresh air and surrounding nature. Work out with a smile on your face. Try different forms of exercise to keep it fun and interesting.’

And, here’s what she had to share about her children and staying humble.

‘My kids only see me as mommy, they don’t really care what I do for a living. My school buddies, who have known me for years, also just see me for me. If I ever encounter fans asking for pictures, they just find it amusing. Filming “On the Farm” is like a homecoming for me. Growing up on a dairy farm, I feel grateful to do a job that I know so much about and am so passionate about. Being in the public eye is just part of my job, it doesn’t define me. What’s important, I believe, is to embrace and make the most of every opportunity that life throws at you.’