I found the world of modelling when I was introduced to Debbie-Lyn by a family member. We had met a few times and I asked if my daughter Esmae could walk in TIFS Manchester. We had such a lovely time, meeting lots of really kind and easy to get on with people and the confidence it gave my daughter was amazing to see.   

Growing up, I was always made aware that I wasn’t very pretty and I was always taller than my friends as a child, as well as being a larger size in clothing. I promised myself that my children would always feel beautiful and perfect no matter what and seeing how the show made Esmae feel, brought me so much joy.   

Whilst at one of the shows, a few of the models had mentioned that I should try it out and the lovely Jo from Topsy Curvy, invited myself and Esmae to a shoot at Topsy HQ. We had such a great time and it was lovely to be part of something with my daughter that made us both feel good about ourselves.

After losing my husband to cancer in 2023 (Esmae’s dad), this new world also gave us a welcome distraction. Meeting so many kind, genuinely happy to see you doing well, kind of people, was a massive bonus and since then we have made so many friends.   

Being a carer since the age of 7, I have  always been the one that looked after the ones I love. This has meant that I was there for my dad, mum, step dad and then husband when they all passed away. I have always felt lucky to have been there for them and to have had so much extra time with them but it has taken its toll on me mentally and physically.

Taking care of me has never been a priority but I see now that for me to be a better person, mum, friend and own boss, I need to put me first. Doing this takes time but I already see the positive effects on my children and on my mental health. In time this can only get better and better.   

Being a part of DL Models is opening up a new world to us and knowing that someone with so much experience in all aspects of modelling is guiding me on this path and introducing me to so many people that know what they are doing, gives me confidence that I made the right choice.   

I have a few health complaints and would never dream of being able to model anything at all in the past but now I see that not only do I deserve to be part of this world but to show others that no matter what your conditions, weight, height, disabilities etc…you are worthy of all of your hopes and dreams.   

I have a condition called lypolymphoedema. This is mostly visible in my left leg where a collection of misplaced fat and fluid, collects with no way to naturally drain or disperse.  I can never change the fact that my leg will always be noticeably larger and that I will always need to walk with a cane or crutch.

In the past I felt ashamed of this and always felt judged but now I am wanting to show others with the same condition that we shouldn’t want to hide away. I am embracing my disability and showing the world that I will wear the clothes that make me feel good and not think twice about how I may be judged for that.

I have lost 12 stone in weight over the past 4 years and I am extremely proud of myself. I am still plus sized and I am ok with, even happy with that. I am learning to love myself in my own skin and it is liberating to say the least. I feel happy, worthy of friendships and love and proud of the person I am for the first time in my life.