MISS WALES

LEAH MONTGOMERY Aged 20, from Cardiff. She is studying mental health nursing at Cardiff University. She said: “I entered Miss Wales because I felt I needed something to strive for and decided to stop holding myself back from things due to the fear of not feeling good enough. This year I have decided to break free of my anxiety and try to become an advocate for people like me, who maybe aren’t so confident or competitive and feel like they are not seen.”

JESSIE DAVIES Aged 22, from Burry Port, near Llanelli. She is studying BA Early Years Education and Care at Trinity Saint David, while also running her own children’s entertainment business. She said: “A goal of mine is to raise awareness of mental health and to change people’s views and stereotyping people with mental health issues. After years of battling with anxiety I told myself it was time to take my life back, challenge myself, and do things that I’ve always dreamed of doing, which is why I am now living my dream by competing in Miss Wales.”

KATIE BURCHELL Aged 20, from Ebbw Vale. Currently helping out with her parents’ racehorse business, her ambition is to become a oneto-one tutor. She said: “I chose to take part in the Miss Wales competition this year because I felt it was the perfect end to my teens and a brilliant way to begin my 20s.”

LOIS MEREDITH Aged 22, from Brynmawr, Blaenau Gwent. She is an accountancy student who hopes to be a chartered accountant. She said: “I am honoured to be a finalist and having the chance to meet some truly inspirational ladies along the way, making memories I will forever cherish.”

NIA PARSONS Aged 18, from Blackwood, Caerphilly. She is a second-year ballet student at Ballet West in Scotland. She said: “Becoming a Miss Wales 2018 finalist has really taught me how to wake up every morning and tell myself that I can achieve anything that I put my mind to and work hard for.”

PAIGE REES Aged 23, from Cwmbran. She is a teacher at a Torfaen School. She said: “As a Miss Wales finalist I would like to have a positive impact upon the environment and become a positive role model within the community. I applied to become a Miss Wales finalist to not only improve my own self-confidence but also to meet new, amazing people and to raise money for a charity which will help improve the lives of thousands of children all around the world.”

LOUISE WEALE Aged 19, from Aberdare. She is currently studying computer science and technology while working as a junior hair stylist. She said: “I’m a firm believer that you should treasure life and live it to the fullest. My aim in the Miss Wales pageant is to use this amazing platform to raise awareness for Beauty With A Purpose and to empower women all over the world to embrace their beautiful imperfections.”

SHONIE LEAH WILLIAMS Aged 20, from Blaenau Ffestiniog, Snowdonia. She works at Gwesty Seren, a hotel specially designed for people with mental and physical disabilities. She said: “If I am lucky enough to be an ambassador for Wales I would learn and teach the importance of female empowerment. Also, as a Welsh speaker, one of my goals is to encourage the use of our native language. Rydym yn codi wrth godi eraill, diolch yn fawr.”

SOPHIE BELL Aged 20, from Penllergaer, Swansea. She is a waitress at her local pub and works as a matchday hostess at the Liberty Stadium. She said: “I hope to inspire young girls who are above average height, who may not like being tall or feel out of place, to be confident, embrace their beauty, and walk tall.”

REBECCA THORNE Aged 18, from Ammanford. She is a personal trainer at Evolution Health and Fitness Centre. She said: “I enjoy HIIT Training, weight-lifting and CrossFit in my spare time. I also enjoy trying new things and stepping out of my comfort zone. I truly believe in trying to be the best version of myself and encouraging others to do the same.”

SOPHIE TREZISE Aged 24, from Newport. She is a sociology and education graduate currently working at

Pandora in Cardiff. She said: “My aim is to lead by example to inspire and teach people that no matter what walk of life you come from, being yourself, having confidence, determination and self-belief will lead you to do great things, experience life-changing opportunities and achieving any goal you set yourself. Winning the title would simply be the icing on the cake.”

ERIN GRECH Aged 18, from Cardiff. She is completing her final year of A-levels to secure a place at university. She said: “This is the first time I have been involved in the competition and I am humbled by the opportunity and by being a finalist. I am very proud of my Welsh heritage and feel that this competition is a great advert for the women of Wales.”

ELIZABETH SIAN JENKINS Aged 19, from Bridgend. She is a student in Bridgend College, studying automotive engineering. She said: “I am honoured to be part of this and proud to represent Wales to the rest of the world. Miss Wales is about more than looking good. Conventions of beauty may change over time and across cultures but striving to build a better world is always a beautiful mission.”

CATHERINE GREENAWAY Aged 17, from Swansea, she will be competing in the Miss Wales 2018 final but we do not have an image.

These Miss Wales 2018 final will be held at the Riverfront Arts Centre in Newport in April. To vote for your favourite visit misswales.co.uk