A 6ft paramedic who felt “like a freak” because of her height is walking tall after being picked to star in a worldwide beauty pageant. Alice Jones, 27, suffered years of crippling anxiety and feelings of self-doubt as she towered over her classmates at school.
She never had a relationship because she was taller than the other boys and her self-esteem issues continued when she qualified as a paramedic. Alice took five months off work to get therapy and bravely overcame her problems to enter Miss England after her colleagues urged her to "go for it".
After reaching the semi-final and winning two awards she has now been invited to represent the UK at the World Top Model final in Egypt. Alice, of Walsall, said: "I’ve worked in the ambulance service since the age of 18 where I’ve provided care, treatment and even cups of tea for those in need.
"Being a paramedic has always been an ultimate goal of mine and I’ve fulfilled it and will continue to do so. By taking part in the Miss England contest, it’s unlocked this potential in myself that I didn’t know I had.
"One of the main reasons was to use the Beauty with a Purpose platform (the Miss World charity) to educate the public on how to perform CPR and how to use an AED. Along the way I actually enjoyed the challenge of attending photo shoots, taking part in different rounds, wearing dresses and really focusing on my fitness.
"I want to show others that you can in fact do both and that life is about, challenges. I find modelling more of a challenge than saving a life sometimes, it’s definitely not as easy as it looks but I welcome that challenge.
"I’m really looking forward to representing the United Kingdom and hope to inspire others to push out of your comfort zone, whatever that maybe be." Alice said her problems stemmed from childhood and continued into adulthood.
The reigning Miss Black Country added: "Mentally, I had a lot of self-doubt and problems with body image issues. Growing up, I believed I was not worth anything and that I was thick. Because I am 6ft, I felt like a bit of a freak because I was so tall.
"I never really had relationships because I was taller than all of the boys - that did nothing for my confidence. I had to make a conscious effort to slouch. I got comments like 'gosh, you're tall' I found that uncomfortable.
“Obviously, I carried that through to adulthood. Even as a paramedic I used to feel like I didn't deserve to be a paramedic. But over the last couple years I have been on a journey of self-discovery.
“I entered Miss England as a challenge for myself as it was completely different to my day to day job as a paramedic. I went from spending most my time in steel toe-capped boots and my hair in a messy bun to wearing a fancy dress with my hair and makeup done."
Alice will be representing the UK in the 29th Top Model of the World pageant at the 5 star luxury White Hills Resort, in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt, on March 3.
