Sheffield woman bullied for her appearance as a child becomes beauty queen

Clare Louise Hurst, who previously lived in Sheffield but now resides in West Yorkshire, has spoken about her ‘amazing journey’ after being bullied as a child and proving her doubters wrong by winning prestigious beauty contests.

The 35-year-old customer care assistant started her journey by entering small pageants as practice before winning her first title as Miss Wigan Beauty.

From then on, Clare decided to enter bigger pageants, including UK Rose, and in 2018, she won the UK Rose United Kingdom Role Model title.

Due to her impressive display in 2018, she was urged to compete again in 2019 and successfully took home the Miss United Kingdom Rose Woman title.

Speaking about her impressive journey, Clare said: “Being bullied all my life wasn't easy for me, and it knocked my confidence down so much that I didn't think I would get through it, but with the support of my family, I did, and so I was determined to fulfil my dreams of becoming a beauty Queen as it was my passion and dream, so I was ready to take that step.”

The beauty queen has now been nominated for a national diversity award in the positive role model disability category.

Clare said: “It is an honour as having learning disabilities hasn't always been easy, but it's not stopped me from fulfilling my potential and dreams, and knowing that I have inspired so many people makes me happy.

“I have overcome so much to get this far, and my confidence has blossomed so much; I want to help others achieve their dreams like I have done and say dreams can come true it's about believing in yourself and saying you can do it.

She added: “The message I would give to people like myself who have been bullied is don't ever feel that you are alone; please speak to family members and friends. There is always someone there to help you and put a stop to bullying, and the support I have had has made me stronger. Look at me now.”