Esther Mahon is a proud mom of three grown lads from Dublin who now lives in Trim, County Meath. She works as a caregiver in her community, a role she describes as "more like visiting friends each day" rather than a job. Esther has a deep love of travel and a passion for exploring new places whenever she can.
Esther Mahon, a proud Sole Sister Rambler and member of the Meath and Dublin Sole Circles in Ireland, recently had the incredible opportunity to perform on Britain’s Got Talent with the Sea of Change Choir. Their journey to the stage is a story of courage, community, and the healing power of music.
How it all began...
Our story starts with an incredible woman named Deirdre Featherstone, who was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in 2012. After her treatment, Deirdre decided to celebrate life in the most empowering way: by organizing a Strip and Dip fundraiser for childhood cancer — an event where participants bravely strip down and take a dip in the sea, symbolizing freedom, resilience, and new beginnings.
What began with just 40 courageous women in 2013 grew into something phenomenal. By 2018, over 2,505 women bared all and smashed a Guinness World Record! We were all incredibly proud — not just for the record, but for the amazing impact we were making. To date, these events have raised over €1.2 million, funding a respite house in Dublin for families of children undergoing cancer treatment.
The Birth of the Sea of Change Choir
After meeting director Ian Brabazon in 2018, something magical happened — the Dip Choir was born as part of the Strip and Dip community. This group of inspirational women evolved into the Sea of Change Choir, and we made our first big splash with a stunning launch on Ireland’s Got Talent.
With Ian’s unique style and the women's heartfelt dedication, we reached the finals of the show and even received the prestigious Golden Buzzer. Since then, the Sea of Change Choir has gone from strength to strength, performing across Ireland, at the European Parliament, and even for the World Health Organization in Africa.
In February of this year, we had the honor of hosting our second sold-out concert at Ireland’s National Concert Hall, raising further funds for our chosen charities. Each performance is a testament to the power of hope, healing, and sisterhood.
Our Adventure on Britain's Got Talent
This year, the choir set out on a new adventure: auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent! We traveled to Blackpool in the UK, bursting with excitement and nerves. After months of rehearsals, we stood on that iconic stage and sang our hearts out.
The experience was unforgettable — we received incredible comments from the judges, a standing ovation from the audience, and most exciting of all — four YESSES from the judges! We couldn’t have asked for a more magical moment.
How I joined the choir
I first heard about the choir when a friend messaged me, asking if I’d be interested in joining as they were looking for new members. She remembered that I had taken part in the Dip in the Nip in memory of my lovely mam, who passed away from cancer in 2011.
Although I had never considered joining a choir before, I thought, why not give it a go? And I am so grateful that I did.
What the choir means to me
I absolutely love our two-hour rehearsals — I can sing my heart out, surrounded by a community of strong, supportive women. Sometimes, the smallest words of encouragement mean the world. Being part of this choir has given me not only the gift of music but also a network of friendship, healing, and hope.
Being part of the Sea of Change Choir and the Strip and Dip movement has been a life-changing journey. It’s about much more than music or world records — it’s about courage, community, and supporting one another through life’s challenges. I’m so proud to stand beside these incredible women, and I can't wait to see where our journey takes us next.
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