Last month, we sent Coleen Rooney into St James’ Catholic School in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport.

She made a big splash answering GCSEs students’ questions about her time in the jungle on I’m A Celebrity and also spoke openly about dealing with setbacks in her life and the importance of family.

Damian Hughes, co-host of the High Performance podcast, and keen supporter of StateTalking, was there in the audience. Talking about the event later on LinkedIn, he said: “Yesterday, I was at St James’ School in Cheadle Hulme.

“StateTalking had persuaded Coleen Rooney to spend the morning with GCSE pupils.

“Coleen’s really impressive and grounded – much more than people might think from her newspaper reputation – and her passion for her family, for sticking to her values, for supporting those around her shines through.

“She spent several hours with the pupils – who asked some brilliant questions – and struck up an immediate connection.

“Yes, she talked about life in the jungle, on I’m a Celebrity, because she was asked about it.

“But more than that, she talked about the importance of family, of sticking with things you care about, about dealing with knock-backs, and other people’s false representations.

“She’s dealt with a lot in her life and I think her openness yesterday with the pupils was fantastic. They loved it.”

Would you like to find out about hosting free inspirational talks from relatable role models at your Greater Manchester school or college? Contact us at  info@statetalking.org