Edel Smith was born in Tarbert Co. Kerry. She moved to Carrigaline Co. Cork when she was 3 years old. When she was eight she moved to Doonbeg. Edel spent a couple of years in a primary school in Carrigaline. She then finished primary Education in Doonbeg. She then went to Secondary School in Spanish Point. She finished her postgraduate in the summer 2001.

In 2000 Edel completed a BA in Economics and Maths at Maynooth College. Then in September 2000 she completed a 1 year post graduate in software localisation. In October 2001 she started subbing in schools in West Clare up to currently teaching in Kilmihil until September 2001. Followed by studying in Wales for Primary teaching for one year.

In June 2001 Edel convinced two of her friends to spend 2 weeks at the Cherven orphanage in Belarus. They joined a group from Burren Chernobyl from Ennistymon who were also making the trip. First impressions for Edel were all the orphan's running towards the bus and looking for a hug. The orphanage contained 250 children from 6 years to 18 years of age, all with special needs. Some could not walk and were in beds most of the time. More have mental disabilities and physiactric needs. Edel was very much struck one particular unit. The reason was that they had so much life in them, but could not move around, and were really looking for attention.

Edel has shown at a very young age a strong commitment to working and helping young children. She has shown her dedication by choosing to go to Cherven on her holidays to help these children. Her extraordinary fundraising in the space of 2 months with a friend raised a grand total of €12,500.