Long Sutton’s Miss Swimsuit finalist spreading healthy living message

Laura Gorton is bidding to be crowned Miss Swimsuit UK – and to spread her message of healthy living.

The 25-year-old mum’s love of bodybuilding has helped transform her life after battles with mental health challenges and an eating disorder.

And now she is hoping to inspire others as she prepares for the national pageant… and to represent Great Britain in the sport she loves.

Laura, from Long Sutton, booked her place in this month’s final after claiming the Miss Wellness title in a previous round.

“It wasn’t something I was expecting. I didn’t even expect to place let alone obtain a title, so it was a shocking moment,” she confessed.

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“They called my name and once I realised I was beaming from ear to ear.

“This is a pageant that’s about women’s empowerment and there are many titles – Miss Congeniality, Miss Wellness, Miss Social Media, Miss Photogenic and more.

“Obtaining Miss Wellness is about the fittest and healthiest lifestyle. I’m a bodybuilder, it’s quite a hard lifestyle with the discipline and dedication it takes to have the life I do.

“A healthy lifestyle is one they want to broadcast and have other people realise that as there are so many eating disorders around, whether that’s over-eating or under-eating.”

Having had her battles in the past, a healthy lifestyle inside and outside the gym has helped Laura find focus and begin her mission to spread the benefits of a disciplined lifestyle.

“It’s a massive thing of mine, especially as someone who’s had an eating disorder myself for many years,” continued Laura, who firmly believes ‘our pasts make us who we are’.

“I’ve now been four years clear. If I can help just one person by doing what I do and not going down that wrong route and do it the right way I’ve done something good.

“The gym has helped me as I’ve suffered anxiety and depression and it’s helped me cope with life’s struggles.

“You can’t control everything in life. But you can vent and I find the gym useful for that, it really does clear my head.

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“Eating healthy too, so many people don’t realise what you put into your body is important too. Eating healthy and having what you need to keep your brain functioning is massive.”

With support from mum Debbie and four-year-old daughter Leila, Laura’s dedication is paying off.

She was excited to be called up to represent Great Britain in the World Cup of Bodybuilding in September, but first her attention turns to June 24’s Miss Swimsuit UK finals in Manchester.

And if successful, there will be room for a little celebration.

“I used to love going out and socialising but it’s hard to do that as a bodybuilder, having to stay away from drink and food,” Laura added.

“It doesn’t mean I can’t have fun, it’s just compromising. Have a few drinks with friends but be reasonable, understand what you’re putting into your body and how much.

“It’s not about how many times you fall, its how many times you get back up. I know, I’ve fallen many times.”

Laura is looking for sponsorship to help her with her Miss Swimsuit UK bid and her GB call-up.

Any businesses interested in helping can contact her via [email protected]