Inspired by Miss World’s recent blog, here are 20 facts about me that you may not know:

1. Positive

Many people have told me I am such a positive person to be around, and that is a big compliment. I get down sometimes like everyone does, but I always try and see the best in every situation, and learn and grow from the hard times. You’re only here once so make it count and enjoy the journey!

2. Third time at the national finals

I have represented the county of Dorset and the city of Southampton in 2011 and 2014 and this year, in my final year of competing, I finally get to represent my home county of Hampshire. Never ever give up on what you want!

3. Hospital fundraiser

I am really passionate about advocating what an amazing NHS we have. We all at one time or another have taken the service for granted, but the work the people behind the NHS do is extraordinary. I work closely with Alanna, Southampton Hospital’s fundraising assistant on a number of events and campaigns and love every minute of being involved with such an inspiring hospital charity.

4. Work in the oil and gas industry

Specifically I am a qualified journalist but I am currently specialising in the oil and gas industry, working for an events and conference company in London. It is an exciting industry to cover because it is so fast-paced and ever changing, and it has a major impact on politics and economies across the world. I’m hoping to get on-site at some point this summer so stay tuned for some hard hat pictures!

5. Former head girl

I was so honoured when my peers and teachers chose me to be Head Girl in my final year of sixth form. I’d always been quite outgoing, but this really allowed me to shone and awoke my love of being a role model and mentor, and helped me learn how to speak publicly. I would say this was my first real achievement.

6. Member of Amnesty International

I am passionate about human rights and know how lucky I am to be living in such a safe and stable country. I want to help and support people out there facing adversity and that’s why I am active in standing up for causes and helping people across the world have basic human rights.

7. Love elephants

When I was eight years old I had to stand up in class and announce what I wanted to be when I was grown up. I said an elephant keeper. I still adore the animals as I find their matriarchal circle interesting and the fact that they remember where watering holes are after so many years fascinates me.

8. Scared of sharks

I think watching Jaws at school probably instilled this – as did visiting a fish market with my father in France on holiday as well. I know how powerful sharks are, and although I’ve got up and close to them in the London Aquarium, I’m still pretty scared. I guess it is because they are at the top of the food chain, in the water!

9. Bellydancer

I’ve always been a dancer since I was young so as I got older I still wanted to keep my love for it up but try something different as well. I am a big fan of Shakira as she is natural and talented so I decided to join belly dancing classes and I haven’t looked back. It is great way to build body confidence, work out your abs and have fun!

10. Bikini fear

The first time I was photographed in a bikini was by David Freeman for the beach beauty round of Miss England last year. I was quite nervous and luckily he made me laugh and smile. Over the past year I have become much more confident and I am hoping to make the beach beauty shortlist this year.

11.  London

After commuting since September 2013, I finally made the move here in January 2015 and now reside in Wimbledon. Ironically I won Hants a few weeks later and therefore I spend most of my time travelling back to Hampshire now!

12.  Wedding work

Who doesn’t love trying on wedding dresses. Luckily for me most of my modelling work has been for wedding and vintage dress companies, photographers and events, and it really does make you feel special – although I am always too scared to eat or drink when wearing white so I am normally hank marvin afterwards!

13.  Health issues in childhood

I was born with an abnormal dilation of the colon, which was only officially diagnosed during my twenties. I have also suffered badly with IBS and I have to be very careful with my diet. Because of these issues I rarely drink alcohol, and exercise not just because I enjoy but because it helps with the aches and pains of tummy trouble. Nowadays I am 99% fighting fit and not needing medication thanks to a careful diet and a healthy lifestyle.

14.  Ice cream

I like a lot of bad food but I particularly love ice cream. I come from Hampshire which has New Forest Ice Cream so blame it on them! Southampton also has some amazing ice cream parlours including Ferrero Roche flavours.

15. Enjoy working out

I really enjoy going for long runs, yoga, swimming and kettlebells. I’ve also recently started to get into street fighting and body combat so watch out!

16.  Love blogging

I love words and I love writing. Nowadays the Internet offers endless possibilities of information so I wanted to use my career skills to inform people about myself. I can’t stay quiet really.

17.  Passionate about politics

I’ll never tell you who to vote for as I don’t believe the common man has the knowledge or right to, but I am up for a debate and a challenge! I think more young people are interested in politics, and I hope to see the number of people voting increasing steadily. At university I studied politics for my degree and also blogged on various policies and changes in government.

18.  Five best buds

I would say I have five best friends that I could call if I needed them in the middle of the night in a crisis. I really enjoy socialising, and I have best friends from school, university and work – a perfect mix from all walks of life. In a way it is good I don’t have a sister as I will have all of these as bridesmaids if I ever get married!

19.  London Marathon ambitions

I really want to one day complete the London Marathon, and I will keep entering until I get a place! My step-mum has said there is no feeling like it and now I have done a half-marathon there is no stopping me.

20.  Magazine idea

I would really like to create and distribute a magazine on the Miss England competition at some point – documenting the contestants journeys and working with the organisation to create a fantastic outlet for a great competition.