Rachel Purcell: I'm very open with people. I probably give too much away

“Now, on mornings when the coffee truck isn’t open, I always start my day with a walk in the woods or the mountain,” she says.

It was on one of those mountains where Rachel’s boyfriend Kevin asked him to marry her just a few weeks ago. “It was such a lovely surprise,” she says, especially coming so soon after the news of Roz’s engagement to her fiancé Zach.

Rachel has also just celebrated five years in remission from chronic myeloid leukemia.

How do you keep fit?

At the moment, I keep fit by walking. My days are quite busy, but I do prioritise walking the dogs. I’ve also just started trail running. I love the outdoors.

Do you have a morning routine?

My morning routine normally consists of fresh air and a coffee. They’re my non-negotiables.

What is one thing you do every day?

I have a coffee, of course.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

Luckily, I have a very balanced diet, so eating well has become a habit.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

I have a serious sweet tooth. I love chocolate.

What keeps you awake at night?

I’m very lucky in that I am a great sleeper. It usually takes me less than a couple of minutes to fall asleep every night.

How do you relax?

Baking, cleaning, or walking helps me to relax. I find all of them very therapeutic. I struggle to sit still - if anything, that makes me less likely to feel at ease.

Who are your sporting heroes?

I grew up watching Sonia O’Sullivan and to me, she is one of the greatest Irish sportspeople ever. I also love Venus and Serena Williams. I loved watching them play and cheering for them.

What is your favourite smell?

I love anything that resembles the outdoors. I currently have a candle burning beside me called ‘wild winter forest’. I love that and I also love the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning.

When was the last time you cried?

Sadly, it was when my auntie, Mary, passed away nearly two months ago. She was very dear to me and taught me so much. I was very lucky to have her in my life.

What is the best health advice you’ve ever been given?

To begin with something positive. Starting your day with something positive can really set you up for a good day.

What traits do you least like in others?

Rudeness or being mean-spirited. I have very little time for that.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

I can be stubborn at times.

Do you pray?

I don’t pray in the conventional way but I do pray to close relatives who have passed away, like my gran and grandad and most recently my aunt Mary.

What cheers you up if you’re having a bad day?

Being surrounded by my dogs, Nell, Toff and Omar. Also, spending time with my nephews, Finn and Sam.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Tom Hardy, for obvious reasons, Serena Williams, David Attenborough, and Will Ferrell.

Has climate change impacted how you live your life?

It has made me more conscious of my decisions.

What quote inspires you most and why?

When you give joy to other people, you get more joy in return. My favourite thing is seeing my friends and family happy. Anything I can do to add to that happiness, I will.

Where is your favourite place in the world?

Slievenamon. For me, that’s home and where I’m most at ease.

What does nobody know about you?

I’m very open with people about things - I probably give too much away.

• Rachel Purcell is an ambassador for Get Ireland Active, Sport Ireland’s National Digital Database. Get Ireland Active is a one-stop resource for information, advice, directions, and tips for people of all ages and abilities anywhere in the country to get active