A HAIRDRESSER who has been struggling with anxiety and panic attacks says entering a swimsuit beauty contest has helped her feel good about herself once again.
Samantha Jayne Sidebottom has been accepted into the Miss Swimsuit UK 2018 contest, and will be taking part in a heat in Leeds on Saturday May 12.
Samantha, 27, of Windsor Crescent, Middlecliffe, said: “I recently suffered from anxiety and panic attacks with going through a bad patch in my personal life.
“Now being selected to compete in Miss Swimsuit UK has truly given me the focus and determination I needed back in my life.
“It has got me back into my fitness and feeling good about myself again and I am truly grateful to Miss Swimsuit UK for this amazing opportunity.
“The difference in myself having the competition to focus on is amazing.
“This competition is also about empowering each other and I’m all for that and would love to inspire all woman to go for their dreams.”
Samantha said she is preparing for the contest be sticking to a clean healthy diet, lots of exercise and keeping a positive mental attitude.
“We are all beautiful in our own unique way and if you have a dream, go for it and embrace it, don’t let fear defeat you,” she said.
The contest is at the Mission Club in Leeds, from 7pm, on May 12. If she is successful, Samantha will go through to the grand final in October.
