Gemma beats illness to reach beauty contest finals (From Swindon Advertiser)

Gemma beats illness to reach beauty contest finals

8:00pm Sunday 24th May 2009

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A WOMAN who battled a debilitating illness is set to embark on her dream to be crowned Miss England – and represent Swindon in the process.

Gemma Still, pictured, from Old Town was confined to her bed for 12 months while she fought off Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) – a condition that left her chronically tired.

Now the 24-year-old blonde, who had weekly holistic treatments to aid her recovery, is hoping to win the four judges over in the Miss ModelZed competition of 20 girls in Leicester on June 5.

If successful, the beauty therapist at Ridgeway House and Wellness in Wroughton, will receive direct entry into the 2009 Miss England Grand Final in July.

“I never thought I would feel well again,” said 5ft 2ins Gemma. “I thought that would be it. I felt tired all the time and had no concentration.

“It was a really hard time in my life to be confined to my bed for a year. Then I started to get treatment at Ridgeway House and Wellness, who really looked after me. I was offered a job with them when I started to recover.

“The illness has changed my life as now the little things don’t bother me so much. I definitely look at life differently.”

The former Commonweal and Swindon College student says she has what it takes to triumph at Miss ModelZed.

“I’m up against 20 other girls, so who knows? “ she said. “I’m going there believing I can win. I think my personality will shine through. I’m down to earth, bubbly and outgoing.”

Gemma, who wants to be a full-time model, has also trained as a professional dancer.

She will have to model a clubwear outfit and also evening wear during the contest.

Then after the two rounds the girls will be cut down to the top 10.

The interview process will then take place, before the overall winner is announced.

If she wins Gemma will secure a contract with ModelZed Promotions – a model and promotional agency based in the East Midlands.

Gemma is asking people in Swindon to support her in her cause. For more information about the competition and how to text vote for Gemma, please visit www.modelzed.co.uk.

To view more pictures of Gemma, log onto www.starnow. co.uk/elizabethjune.

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