Hello everyone,
Thank you so much for taking a first look at my brand new website!! Here you will be able to keep up with what i have been up to, and view all of my pictures in my portfolio. I will be up dating the website as i progress through this lucky year of being Miss England 2008!!
When i entered this year, i never thought for a minute i would win, (as i entered 4 heats this year and eventually won the fourth!) For all of the girls and myself, I think it's the fun of entering and having so much fun doing the pageants which drives us to keep trying. To be Miss England was something i have always dreamt about, but one of those occurrences which you think will never happen to you... But such things do happen to you if you try hard enough, and you really want it to happen. I feel so lucky everyday.
To win Miss Derby was such a surprise and i was over the moon that i was through to the Miss England finals this year, representing Derby. I was firstly in Miss England in 2005 as Miss Leicestershire, after those finals i went to University to study my degree, after finishing Uni this year i decided to give Miss England another go.
The three days of the Miss England final 2008 were filled with laughs, fun, good times and great girls. I'm not a particularly competitive person, but I love participating in the Miss England beauty pageants. My mum and grandma have always participated, with my mum having over 15 beauty titles in her time. My family mean the world to me, and my mum has helped and supported me throughout this experience... Thank you mum.
When the night of the final arrived, i was nervous and excited at the same time. I never thought for a moment that i would win. My parents have always told me to try my best at whatever i do and enjoy it... and that is what i did.
When the final 20 were stood on stage, i remember looking around thinking that it could never be me, all the girls were beautiful. As 3, 2 were announced, i thought there was no chance, but when my name was called i fell through the floor. For a moment i didn't hear my own name, or couldn't believe what i was hearing and remember my mouth dropping open and my hand was over my mouth for at least 5 minutes, i was so shocked!! From that moment on, the next few days were a whirlwind.
My best friends and my parents were there to share such a wonderful moment with me, my best friend flew from Holland to watch me in the final, and i remember she ran down the stairs with her arms in the air, to the front of the stage shouting, 'you've won, you've won!' That will be a moment i will never forget, whilst my other best friend Kate was stood there in shock, crying because she was so happy. My parents were beaming with happiness, which felt like an achievement in itself.
I was crowned, sashed and sat on the thrown... what an unforgettable moment. I still couldn't, and still can't believe it is actually me who has won! After the final and all photos were taken i went back to the hotel with my family and friends, i was so happy to be spending this special time with my family and friends which meant the most to me. I could hardly sleep that night as i was so excited about what will happen in the year a head, and how lucky and overwhelmed i felt.
The next morning I had a huge celebratory breakfast consisting of pancakes, pancakes and more pancakes! My favourite! From then, the phone calls from various press, TV and radios started and i arrived back home in the afternoon to photographers wanting pictures of me for the national tabloids! The whole week after winning the final was crazy and thoroughly enjoyable, i went on various radio stations, photo shoots and filming for ITV. The following week i opened HelenE's new make up stand in Debhemans was a lovely first public appearance for me as Miss England where i was welcomed by warm and kind people. I went on to have various photo shoots in London, such as with famous photographer Jeany Savage and then appeared at the Pure show modelling on the catwalk for Barbara Easton Jewellery at the Olympia in London. A few days later I had another photo shoot for Barbara Easton Jewellery with Tom Wren photography in which there were some beautiful shots.
Since then i have taken part in various big shows such as the Lingerie and Swimwear exhibition where i was representing Aguaclara swimwear, and also the Bridal show where i was first on to the catwalk for Marcelane designer evening wear. I also did a shoot for EM magazine (Every model) which is a huge industry magazine giving advice, exciting articles and interesting interviews covering every area and corner of the model and fashion industry. The photos are amazing, and you can see my interview and pictures in this months EM magazine which is out September 15th 2008.I have also had photo shoots for the new National Lottery Scratch card, and photosoots with various other photographers. I really enjoy modelling, and always have.
I have also participated in various other openings of shops, centres and focal points all over the country.
The most important use of my role is to help with various charities. I engaged in a photo shoot with top snooker player Mark Selby (a local Leicester gent) to help promote charity fund raising for the Children's Hospital Trust. We are both visiting a children's hospital at christmas in order to see the children and give them our love and christmas wishes.
I have just arrived back from a fun packed week at London Fashion week where I have been seeing various fashion shows and attending parties, and also took part in a show where i was on the catwalk modelling for various designers.
I have been looking forward to tomorrow for WEEKS! I am participating in a charity track day at Rockingham speedway for The Institute of Cancer Research's Everyman, Tache Back campaign where various celebs are participating to raise funds in co operation with the RAC rally team!! I love driving and can't wait to get my hands on the wheel of a fast racing car!!
I am looking forward to participating in the Miss World final 2008 which has been moved to South Africa on December 13th 2008. South Africa is a beautiful country in which i have always wanted to visit. .. I can't wait.
Things have been very exciting from the moment i won, and i can only thank Angie, the judges, my family and friends for all of their support.
Love Laura x
