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.