Larissa Hirst

As my campaign for the Miss London and Miss Hippodrome draws closer, I wanted to share with you all the importance of charity work and fundraising as part of the role of a Miss England contestant.

I think for many who look in from the outside, who have never given the Miss England organisation a chance or judge based on misinformation, such competitions labelled beauty pageants can be seen as very self-deprecating and materialistic. 

However, being involved in Miss England has given many young women up and down the country a brilliant platform to showcase local charities and community projects. It helps generate press and interest in campaigns, and by offering your time and services, you are really giving back to society.

I have a few charity bits and bobs in the pipeline, including:

In 2015 and 2016 I completed a number of charity challenges, including:

My charity goals over the next few years include running the London marathon and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

I’m really excited to meeting all the Miss London and Miss Hippodrome finalists, sponsored by Badarians Property Management, and I am really looking forward to meeting the charity ambassadors who will be telling us all about their amazing work and how we as contestants in the competition can help their wonderful causes.

xxx

While one woman holds the title of Miss England for the year, there is an army of supporters, of loyal friends and family, who have supported them. After all, it is a team effort.

So I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank my supporters. Thank you for fundraising with me, and text voting for me. Thank you for cheering me on during my charity runs and helping with my eco-wear. Thank you for all the support, and not thinking I am crazy when debating different shades of red for a dress. Thank you for taking me to places to help with my campaign. Thanks for coming to shoots, photographing me and giving me opportunities I didn’t even think I could get! Thank you for being so supportive, both physically being there and mentally. You all know who you are!

This year more than ever, I have faced questions about why I would want to re-enter the Miss England contest. And I have found it hard it, especially from some of those closest to me.

The contest has been in one way or another part of my life since I was 19 years old, so it would feel like a big hole in my life if I gave it up altogether. And I think that is the best way of describing it to people. If you told a football fan they weren’t allowed to support their team anymore, how would they feel? And someone who loves cooking or baking, if you told them they couldn’t go in the kitchen more, how would they take that?

I wouldn’t say Miss England is a hobby, but it has been part of my lifestyle for a long time now. It has made me really aware of how we can help others every day in small and large ways, and opened up lots of doors and opportunities for myself.

No matter what, I will always be involved in some way. But if the age limit has been raised, then why not go for it? I believe in taking every chance possible, and yes there was some self-doubt. What happens if I don’t get a grand final spot? What happens if I don’t do as well as last year? What happens if people don’t think I am good enough?

When I first started with Miss England, I was a teenager and I was very afraid of what people thought of me. I am the type of person who really wants to be liked, and my boyfriend would probably say I am a bit of a people pleaser. But now I am older, I kind of don’t care anymore. If people judge me for doing this, and for coming back, so be it. I am not scared. It is an opportunity to embrace.

And what has really spurred me on is messages not just from my supporters, my close friends and family, but from other contestants. I have received amazing support from girls in the Miss Hampshire contest – Channon, Isobelle and Yasmin as well as all the other girlies. I have seen such lovely comments from Hayley, a former Miss Hants, and Laura my catwalk buddy from 2015, as well as messages of support from Natalie and Rachel – both fellow Miss England 2015 alumni. I have had chats at great length with a number of girls, like Miss Sussex Lucy Kent,  my two Charlotte’s Miss Surrey and Miss Rickmansworth, and Abi Hill the new Miss Northumberland. Abi and I go back years and just prove that girls keep fighting for the opportunities our competition gives us.  Just this week Miss Cheltenham 2^nd RU Amy Brown wrote a brilliant blog mentioning myself and that gave me a real self-esteem boost.

There will always be doubters, even those who love you may slip and start to worry. Miss England takes up a lot of time, and it takes dedication from them too. But they are only caring about you, making sure that if you do trip and fall, that they can be there when you dust yourself off. It takes real guts to enter Miss England, but it also takes nerves of steel to be there throughout a girl’s journey. It is gut wrenching to watch your loved one on stage I imagine. So thank you for caring and thank you for all your support.

And as for those doubters who just doubt, just stand back, watch me take a chance, and see me shine! :)

Update: I sent this to my boyfriend and he responded with:

So, we all thought I was retired. I was quite happy watching the contestants of Miss England this year and was looking forward to chilling out a bit.

However, when I handed over my Miss Hampshire crown, I did start to get a bit twitchy. I mean, since I was 19 I’ve been involved in the organisation, either as a competitor or behind the scenes helping with the regional heats. It was the end of an era really, which is probably why my farewell speech was rather emotional (apologies to my partner Ian and judge and Miss England regional heat organiser Kerry Heslewood for making them cry!).

Soon after my handover though I was given the chance to be in the Miss England Semi-Finals, because I made the top 15 in 2015 by winning the Brainy Beauty Award. Most award winners are offered spots to come back and compete as they placed, but at first this wasn’t an option for me because I was initially too old. Then Miss World changed their age range to 16-26, so I was once again eligible.

I felt that twitch again when I saw that change and considered my options. It is hard to put yourself out there again, heck, I have been a Miss England finalist three times already. Even those closest to you start questioning why you want to give it another shot.

The first time I got through was in 2011 representing Dorset. I was a teenager, in the middle of a really difficult year of university, with two jobs and a number of internships. I couldn’t believe I had actually got through, and it was a big learning curve. I was like a rabbit in headlights, and that first taster made me realise just how much work and dedication it would take to win Miss England.

Then in 2014 I got my second shot as I came runner up in Miss Hampshire. I progressed through the semi-finals and gained a spot in the grand final! I also placed in the top 10 in talent which was amazing as I had never performed my talent, bellydancing, on stage until then!

In 2015, in my final year as I was turning 25, I finally won my home county of Hampshire and made the top group in a number of rounds at the finals, including Eco-Wear, Billion Dollar Smile, Sportswoman and Popularity. And then of course I won the Brainy Beauty round which consisted of a general knowledge test. Making that top 15 was the second best highlight of my year; the best being told my boyfriend was in remission with his cancer.

I am eternally grateful to the Miss England organisation for giving me those chances, and I was happy retiring with a top 15 placement to my name. But I am not the type of person to give up, and I can never say no to an opportunity. So when I got a message about Miss London on Facebook, at the same time I was given the semi-final place, and that Miss World had upped their age, I kind of felt like things were pointing me in the direction of one last chance.

If I had given up at the first hurdle, I wouldn’t have raised £3,000 last year for Beauty With A Purpose and Southampton Hospital Charity. I wouldn’t have ran a half-marathon, and I wouldn’t have been able to visit the children’s ward at the hospital and hold an arts and crafts day. I wouldn’t have been in newspapers, magazines and on the TV and radio. My family and I probably wouldn’t have held a garden fete either nor would I have trekked Nottingham for the Wheelchair Awareness Challenge and I wouldn’t have got to play wheelchair rugby with the England team. And I don’t think I would have slept homeless for charity, which was possibly tougher than that half-marathon.

I have been pushed to the limit and done things I never knew I could. And that is the reward of perseverance. Because of these endeavours I have presented fashion shows and county fetes, modelled L.K. Bennett clothing and Clinique, and been gifted lots of great experiences and items including a trip in a Bentley, handmade unique jewellery by Imagination by Cara and a beautiful Mon Cheri dress to wear.  

A few nights ago a friend rang and we discussed me entering the contest again. They said I was addicted to Miss England which struck a nerve. I understood where they were coming from. They could only see one side; that I was putting myself out there once again, and might get knocked down. Some people find that really hard – I certainly used to be scared of failure. My friend was talking about the other contestants and how good they were, some they have never met! My reaction made me think about why I really wanted to try again. Did I want to beat these other girls? No, it has never been about that for me. But do I think I am the best person for the job? Right now yes.

In 2011, when I first got involved, two girls both didn’t make that final; Kirsty Heslewood and Charlotte Holmes. They both went on to win in 2012 and 2013. Some girls only have to try once or twice to get through, and even win Miss England. For others and myself, I know that is not the case. I wasn’t born a winner – I have to try 110% to get something.

I do believe I would be a great ambassador for England and it has taken many years, of being knocked down and then picking myself back up again, and now I can finally begin to say it out loud.

As part of my entry into Miss London, I require a sponsor. For £250 I can offer you my services in marketing, modelling, writing, editing and presenting in return for your support. My sponsor will receive coverage in my blog as well verbal mentions at the final on May 6^th and me wearing their sash. Their logo will also feature on the Miss England and London website.

Please email larissa_19_90@hotmail.co.uk if you’re interested. 

Pictures by Davud Freeman Photography.

In the lead up to the Miss Hampshire & IOW finals on March 12th, we thought it would good to show off our amazing finalists and let you know what they are all about. 

Next we have Josie Lowry-Cole, who's 16 and a Trainee Dental Nurse from Alton! 

Tell us about your occupation?

I am Currently training to be a registered dental nurse.

What are your hobbies and ambitions?

I spend my spare time with my horses. My ambitions are to qualify to be a dental nurse and further train to be a sedation nurse, I also want to travel the world and work with different charities.

Who is your role model? 

My role model is my sister. She is a strong and ambitious girl and is everything I want to be. She has succeeded in everything she has done and never let anything get in her way.

What is the craziest thing you've done? 

The craziest thing I have ever done is ridden my horse through what I thought to be a bridle path however it was a motor cross track and 10+ motocross riders had to turn their bikes off to let me pass!

Why would you be a good representative for your county?

I believe I would be a good representative for my county because I am confident, determined and would do anything to make Hampshire a better place.  I may be young but I believe I have so much to offer and my dream is to become miss Hampshire and to represent my county. I love my county the best because I want to strive and succeed to make it the best.

In the lead up to the Miss Hampshire & IOW finals on March 12th, we thought it would good to show off our amazing finalists and let you know what they are all about. 

Next we have Georgia Soffe, who's 23 and a Legal P.A. from Southampton! 

Tell us about your occupation?

I am a conscientious and professional Legal PA in a busy and fast-expanding Southampton law firm, providing a high level of support to a strong and busy team of solicitors. I work within the Commercial Property Team which involves many responsibilities for well known clients including filing Stamp Duty Land Tax for all completed property transactions, lodging the completed property transactions with the Land Registry to update property ownership information and transferring large sums of money to ensure the transactions complete. 

What are your hobbies and ambitions?

I am very creative and enjoy searching and recreating inventive ideas on Pinterest in my spare time. In particular, special effects make up and fancy dress, home decor, hair accessories and bunting. 

I am very passionate about art and fashion and have been since a young age. I think to be able to express yourself and portray your style and personality in a non verbal way is amazing because everyone is different and unique. 

I have been singing, dancing and acting since a young age, taking part in many dance shows and pantomimes. In 2008, I took part in a pantomime for Countess Mountbatten Hospice to raise money for cancer patients.

Music is a big part of my life. I used to sing in an acoustic band and have continued to take part in open-mic nights in Southampton. My band supported Ben Howard in Southampton in 2009! I started learning to play piano when I was 6 years old and carried on teaching myself to play. 

I am a keen runner. I took part in the 2013 New Forest Half Marathon for cancer charity Run4Cancer and have subsequently taken part in local 10k road races since. The next event I plan to take part in is the Southampton ABP Half Marathon in April 2016 raising money for Countess Mountbatten Hospice. I am a gym member and attend as often as possible. I am a strong believer in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and that women ARE as strong as men! My most recent training was for a 12 mile obstacle course,Tough Mudder, in October 2014 in aid for Help for Heroes, a charity for wounded veterans. 

One of my ambitions is to travel to all of the places around the world that I wish to visit. In June last year, I returned from a three month trip visiting Singapore, Australia, Bali, Malaysia and Thailand. This was an incredible experience where I met so many amazing, inspirational people from all across the globe. The opportunity left me more open minded and exposed me to a whole world outside of what I previously knew.

Who is your role model? 

Without a doubt, my role model is my mum. She has done some incredible things in her life from teaching figure skating in Canada to raising my younger brother and I single-handedly (and doing an absolutely cracking job at it!). As a young girl, she competed against the well known Torvill and Dean, Dancing on Ice figure skaters and Olympic Champions, at Championship Level. To know that Torvill and Dean once looked at my mum as an ice skating legend is amazing! 

Despite my mum raising my brother and I on her own and struggling at times when we were younger, she never ever let us go without. She never sought help from anyone through the tough times and came out the other side as a strong woman. This has brought us three together as a very close family unit with a strong bond and I wouldn’t want it any other way! 

My mum is the biggest inspiration to me who a lot of other people as well as myself have learnt, and still continue to learn, a lot from. She is very wise has taught me ‘if you believe you can then you can’ and that ‘life is meant for living’. Because of my mum, my outlook on life is to achieve the things you want to achieve because you only get one chance; this is not a rehearsal. Never let any opportunity go to waste. 

I am a confident girl and I have my mum to thank for that. I am eternally grateful for all that she has ever done for me and if I become half the woman she is, I will know I have done something right!

What is the craziest thing you've done? 

I have done a few crazy things but one of the craziest things I have done is when I launched myself out of a plane on my 14,000ft sky dive over the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, Australia. It was completely spontaneous and I’m so glad I did it! I have some hilarious pictures taken by the sky dive instructor that I’ll laugh at forever. 

Another crazy thing I have done in the past is Tough Mudder, a 12 mile obstacle course in the middle of a very cold October in 2014. For someone who has next to nothing when it comes to body strength, it was definitely a challenge. 

I took part in Tough Mudder with two of my colleagues from my previous workplace, dressed up as the 118 Men and raising money for Help for Heroes. The most amazing thing about the obstacle course was the team spirit; Tough Mudder is all about being in it together and never leaving anyone behind. If you were stuck or struggling on an obstacle, there were always amazing people also taking part in the course who were there to help you out telling you that ‘you can’ when you thought you couldn’t. It wasn’t a race, but a test. 

The two work colleagues that did Tough Mudder with me, who I would call two of my best friends, were incredible and I couldn’t have done it without them. They made getting zapped whilst running through 10,000 volts and army crawling through mud in a cage made of barbed wire so worth it.

It definitely was a crazy experience and doing it all for charity was one of the most rewarding things I have done. 

Why would you be a good representative for your county?

I think that I would be a good representative for my county as I am a confident, independent, hard working girl who is also very genuine and always putting others first.

I believe that everybody should be happy in their own skin and to know they are beautiful no matter what anyone says. 

I feel I would be a good promoter for anyone who has ever had body confidence or self confidence issues and I would like to encourage others to see people for what is on the inside rather than how they appear on the outside. Be kind to everyone. 

I am a strong believer in not letting something completely knock your confidence. Let rejection be an experience that makes you stronger rather than it crushing your confidence entirely and stopping you from trying again. 

I have learnt to never try to convince somebody of your worth. You are ‘you’ and that’s what makes each and every person individual and beautiful! I would love to be a role model for those who have had their self confidence taken away from them. 

I am very social and love meeting new people with aspirations and goals in life. I also love raising money for charities whilst having fun as a team at the same time. 

It would be an amazing experience to take part in Miss Hampshire, a great organisation and event promoting and raising money for amazing causes.

In the lead up to the Miss Hampshire & IOW finals on March 12th, we thought it would good to show off our amazing finalists and let you know what they are all about. 

Next we have Amy Brown, who’s 23 and a BMW Product Genius from Basingstoke.