If you love the outdoors and live anywhere near Port Talbot, you might well bump into Grace Gavigan and she'll probably be wearing wellies. But in a few months time she'll be swapping her muddy footwear for glittery heels.
The 16-year-old Wildlife Trust volunteer from Port Talbot has been selected as a Miss Wales 2023 finalist and will be aiming for the top when the competition kicks off in a few months time, with the ultimate prize of representing Wales at Miss World.
Grace is a full-time A-level Sixth Form student and is extremely passionate about the natural world, and protecting Wales’ most precious species. She recently participated in the Big Wild Walking challenge and marched over 70km in seven days to raise funds for the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. You can get more Port Talbot news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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Now she's facing a very different challenge, and has had plenty of support from her trust colleagues, and even from Welsh Naturalist and BBC Autumnwatch Presenter Iolo Williams, who has worked with Grace at conservation events organised by the Wildlife Trust and has also sent her a video message of support.
Aspiring lawyer Grace said: “I’m really excited for 2023 and the adventures in store through the Miss Wales competition. I want to use this platform to share my passion for Wales’ precious wildlife and raise the profile of how even the smallest personal actions can make a big difference to ensuring that we all have a wilder future.
“I have volunteered with the Wildlife Trust for a number of years and have seen first-hand the importance of inspiring people about our natural world, particularly disconnected communities and young people. Nature has helped me deal with major changes, particularly during Covid lockdowns and the stress of exams.”
Another of Grace’s priorities is to fundraise for the Miss World charity, ‘Beauty with a Purpose’, and to spread the Miss Wales message of confidence in young women. She added: “I’m also looking forward to all the friends and memories I’ll make along the way. I would also like to thank Lunacy Boutique for sponsoring my Miss Wales journey.”
The Miss Wales 2023 final will take place in April and involve a three-day event including an empowerment day designed to boost the confidence of contestants, the Miss Wales Charity Ball in aid of the Miss World charity, Beauty with a Purpose, and a catwalk event in front of an audience and panel of judges.
The events will take place in the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff and The Riverfront in Newport. In the run up to the final, the girls will also undertake a series of challenges including raising money for Beauty with a Purpose. They will also be taking part in a random act of kindness day on St David’s Day and holding female-related events to mark International Women’s Day on Tuesday, March 8.
As well as the fundraising and personal development opportunities, the finalists will also have the opportunity to enjoy the glamorous side of the Miss Wales experience, including attending special events, doing photoshoots and working with the media.
Miss Wales organiser, Paula Abbandonato, said: “Miss Wales is committed to Beauty With A Purpose and that means empowering young women and raising money for good causes through the glamour and fun of pageantry. The girls get to make great friends and experience new opportunities while really doing their bit for charity.”
The current Miss Wales is 21-year-old Darcey Corria from Barry. The reigning Miss World is Karolina Bielawska from Poland. The last time Wales won Miss World was in 1974 when Helen Morgan from Barry took the crown. Sophie Moulds from Ferndale came close in 2012 when she was placed first runner up.
The new Miss Wales will represent Wales at Miss World 2023 and enjoy a year of VIP experiences while supporting a number of children’s charities in Wales.
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