North East skiwear company launched by young entrepreneur Renee Fraser-Shepherd has annnounced its support of Winter Olympic hopeful and team GB member Molly Butler.

A competitive skier, Molly, 17, has been skiing since she was 19 months old and has lived in ski villages such as Megeve with her family. Whilst originally from Surrey, her family business took them to the Alps, where Molly developed a keen interest in winter sports. 

Since competing in her first race at the age of six, Molly quickly rose up the ranks and was selected for the junior GB team at 13. 

A close friend and teammate’s parents stepped in as coaches, and Molly has made a real connection with Emma Carrick-Anderson, a 4-time Olympian who, together with her husband, Phil Smith, has coached Molly through her Team GB journey. 

She is now based in Austria, in a small town called Wagrain, where she trains and races throughout the winter months. 

Commenting about her journey to date, Molly said: “I have had such great support from my coaches Emma and Phil, and my mum, who have all helped me navigate this journey. 

“I love training and really enjoy the process of preparing for a race. My coaches’ professional insight and technical advice has been incredibly helpful as I improve my race times and develop my skills.” 

The skiing circuit is from November to April, with training in the summer months taking places in gyms or in Arctic countries such as Norway, where Molly is heading later this month. 

And now, North East company Sloobie Skiwear has teamed up with Molly to support her journey in the hope of getting to the World Cup and Olympics. 

Renee Fraser-Shepherd created Sloobie Skiwear last year and was keen to support Molly in her journey. 

Molly commented: “Renee is a great supporter, she uses Sloobie as a platform to post about me on social media as she has a significant following and this has been really helpful. She also sent me a full Sloobie base layer set which I have fallen in love with for training and rest days.

“Team GB alpine skiers receive no formal funding from GB Snowsports and so I have to fund my own training, travel, equipment and accommodation, so I am constantly fundraising for this. Sloobie’s base layers and publicity of my fundraiser has been invaluable. 

“I also love how her company supports and promotes a range of women, not just models, and her business model is so unique. 

“Something I have found Renee and I have in common is a driver of hard work. Nothing is achievable without hard work and we have both found that to be the case.” 

Renee Fraser-Shepherd, founder of Sloobie Skiwear said: “Molly Butler embodies the qualities of a true champion – she is determined, passionate, and has an unwavering dedication to her sport. I am so proud to support her on her journey and I cannot wait to see her where her rapid progression leads her. “ 

The next step for Molly is to continue training in the hopes of  being selected for the Junior World Championships . 

“I love the sport so much, the physical side just as much as the mental. I very seldom feel pressure or stress and I feel so grateful I get to take this journey. 

“It is important I remain consistent in the summer months and keep training hard on and off the snow.” 

To support Molly’s fundraiser, click here https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/shareanddonate?utm_term=MxPyxx4BR