Behindtheheadlines LINING UP TO BE

HOLLY PILLING Aged 18, from Chepstow. She is currently studying A-levels at college. She said: “Having to step out of my comfort zone to secure my place in Miss Wales has meant I’ve strengthened my self-belief and confidence. I can’t wait to carry on this journey and continue to make myself, my family and friends proud.” AIMEE-MARIE DAVIES Aged 19, from Gorseinon, Swansea. She is an art and design student, specialising in fashion. She said: “In my life there are three main principles that I live by: believe in yourself, help others; and live each day with no regrets. I feel privileged to have been selected as a Miss Wales finalist.” BETH MARIE WILLIAMS Aged 21, from Conwy. She is currently taking an academic break from studying nutrition in Cardiff. She said: “I feel privileged to have been chosen as a Miss Wales finalist – even to be associating with young women with a similar mind-set and approach to life is inspirational in itself. I believe life is what we make it. Always has been, always will be.” CHANELLE HERON Aged 22, from Cardiff. She is a care assistant, working towards becoming a mental health nurse. She said: “I absolutely love my country and would be delighted to represent young women and show how we empower one another to chase our dreams but help so many other people in the process.” CELYN GEORGE Aged 22, from Swansea. She is a neonatal nurse who graduated from Swansea University. She said: “In September I will be embarking on my Master’s in Child Public Health to further my career prospects as an advocate for vulnerable children and families. Education is something I strongly advocate and I would use my crown to raise awareness of the importance of education for disadvantaged and marginalised females worldwide.” BETHANY HARRIS Aged 20, from Newport. She works at House of Fraser, Cardiff, and as a model in her spare time. She said: “My philosophy in life is to enjoy every opportunity that arises and to treat others the way I would like to be treated myself. Helping and supporting others is an avenue I am keen to explore and I am excited to be part of Miss Wales.” CHLOE LEWIS Aged 19, from Cardiff. She is a nursery assistant at Cylch Meithrin Creigiau, a Welsh-speaking nursery. She said: “If I was to become the next Miss Wales I would use my crown to raise awareness of mental health issues and to show girls and boys who are going through the same issues that nothing can ever get in the way of your own happiness and goals.” CHARLOTTE REDMOND Aged 17, from Caerleon. She is currently studying A-levels and wants to become an entrepreneur. She said: “My true goal in life is to spread the importance of self-love and self-worth to not only women but also men, by learning to become an empowerment speaker. A year ago I would never have thought that I would have entered a pageant but here I am, being able to put myself out there, having the best experiences ever and having the belief that I can do this.” JADE DETHERIDGE Aged 20, from Penarth. She works for a home conveyancing firm in Cardiff. She said: “I am so grateful for the amazing Miss Wales opportunity. It has not only boosted my confidence but I have met individuals who I know will be life-long friends. To me this is a life-changing experience and I will continue to take on board all of the advice and encouragement from everyone to ensure that this is the best experience possible.” CLAUDIA GRINDLAY Aged 23, from Cemaes Bay, Anglesey. She is a former healthcare worker turned beauty therapist. She said: “I want more people to understand the purpose of Miss Wales and to understand it’s a lot more than posing in a dress. I would love to be an ambassador for Wales and I would most certainly try and concentrate on less bullying and the importance of female empowerment.” ELLIE COUSINS Aged 19, from Barry. She is studying for a degree in law at the University of South Wales. She said: “As I was bullied at a younger age for being tall and having braces it is my ambition to represent those who cannot defend themselves and are considered to be ‘different’. I am honoured to be part of Miss Wales 2018.” COURTNEY BIRD Aged 18, from Port Talbot. She is studying health and social care in college. She said: “I chose to apply for Miss Wales as I wanted the chance to empower women of colour to show them that it doesn’t matter what colour your skin is, everyone has worth and beauty and the chance to do amazing things such as Miss Wales.” EMMA WILLIAMS Aged 24, from Bridgend. She is a dance teacher who holds European and world titles and is also the owner of Emma Louise School of Dance. She said: “Wales is a beautiful country with a strong sense of culture and history, making me very proud to be Welsh. Becoming an ambassador for Wales and a role model for young women would be an experience I would always treasure.” EMILY NICHOLAS S Aged 18, from Swansea. She is a sixth-form student who also works part-time as a matchday hostess at the Liberty Stadium. She said: “My journey as a Miss Wales finalist so far has allowed me to grow in confidence, create unforgettable memories, meet inspirational women and gain life-long friends. Becoming an ambassador for Wales will enable me to become a role model for young women and encourage them to believe in themselves and follow their dreams.” EMILY ALICE NORRIS Aged 23, from Pontypridd. She is a special effects artist and has worked on the Cadw dragons at Caerphilly Castle. She said: “It’s an honour to become a Miss Wales finalist. I’m ambitious to be a successful ambassador for Wales, a driving force to empower young women, and help those who make this country special.” HANNA DAVIES Aged 20, from Llantwit Major in the Vale of Glamorgan. She is currently working towards becoming an accountant. She said: “Being chosen as a finalist in Miss Wales 2018 is one of the most exciting things that has happened to me. I am a firm believer that beauty comes from within and that each day I wake up I should strive to be the best person I can be.” HOLLY BOSANKO-SHEADY Aged 17, from Rhiwderin, near Newport. The A-level student works part time as a waitress at the Celtic Manor restaurant. She said: “I am really grateful to have landed a place in the Miss Wales final – the support from my family and friends couldn’t have been any better and I look forward to what the future has to come.” HOLLIE THOMAS Aged 18, from Port Talbot. She is hoping to study journalism at university. She said: “I am incredibly passionate about celebrating, promoting and encouraging selfconfidence.

“As a young female I suffered severely with anxiety, self-esteem and confidence issues, barely able to leave my house.

“After completely changing my whole mindset and overcoming this I would love to use my experiences to help and empower other young and vulnerable females. 2018 is the year of the woman. I could not be entering it with a stronger team around me.”