Young trailblazer Violet heads for international stage backed by Mornflake

Schoolgirl Violet Lennon is preparing for her next major competition after carving out a remarkable path in the male-dominated world of ice hockey, while becoming a passionate ambassador for girls in sport along the way.

All this and she’s still only 12!

The Shavington youngster heads to the Czech Republic next week to represent her country in the Lions Cup with backing from Crewe’s famous manufacturer of Mighty Oats, Mornflake.

Off the ice, Violet is a passionate advocate for girls in sport. She has appeared on Blue Peter, BBC News, Radio Stoke and various podcasts to speak about the importance of fair access to competitive sport for girls and women.

She’s also involved in Active Her, a campaign led by Crewe-based Her Place Charitable Trust promoting sporting opportunities for women and girls in Cheshire.

Highlights of the 2025/26 season include winning Everybody Health and Leisure Junior Sports Personality of the Year, being selected for the England under 13s girls team and an invitation to train with the elite senior women’s team Solihull Vixens.

Dad Mike Lennon said: “It all began when Violet watched ice hockey on TV with me. She was seven and doing the stereotypical ‘young girl thing’, attending a dance school and had never been to an ice rink.

“She saw the goalie and asked what they did, so I told her they have to save the puck that comes flying towards them at 100mph and she just went ‘they look cool’ and ‘I want to do that’.

“We put her on a six-week learn-to-play course, thinking she would hate it. She loved it, and the rest is history.”

Ice hockey is a minority sport in the UK and the associated costs, including travel, kit and safety gear are significant.

Violet’s family notch up some 28,000 miles a year supporting her participation in mixed-gender and all-girls teams.

They were delighted to receive a donation from Mornflake as part of its commitment to promoting sport and active lifestyles.

Mike added: “As a goalie, Violet needs highly specialised protective gear and equipment, which comes at a premium but is essential to keep her safe on the ice. Every bit of support is vital, so we are very grateful to Mornflake.”

Violet has also been invited to a special hockey showcase in Sweden in July. She said: “I’m lucky to have so many supportive people around me on and off the ice, including my school, and to have been able to achieve what I have so far is just amazing.”

Mornflake managing director James Lea said: “Violet is an exceptional young talent, but what really stands out is her passion for encouraging more girls to get involved in sport.

“At just 12, she’s already a high-profile advocate for girls in sport and embodies the kind of determination and positive attitude we are proud to support.”

The breakfast company, famed for its Mighty Oats, has backed many inspirational athletes and sporting events over the years, but also smaller organisations helping to combat isolation and build community.

Meanwhile, the family business is a supporter of this summer’s Krazy Races in Crewe and the new Crewe 10k event coming to the town this October.

Mornflake porridge, muesli and granola products are enjoyed in many countries, including China, Malaysia and the Caribbean.

Spotting Mornflake products abroad has become something of a national sport – with fans posting pictures from far-flung places on social media #MadeinCrewe