A WOMEN has spoken about her delight at being nominated by her family and friends to potentially gain a Pride of Britain award.

Clare Hurst, who was born in Keighley and now lives in Heckmondwike, is known for her fantastic fundraising efforts in beauty pageant events.

The current Miss United Kingdom Rose Woman has raised over £1,000 in the past for charities associated with cancer and mental health.

This has led to her peers rallying together to put her name forward for one of these prestigious awards, Fundraiser of the Year, Special Recognition and Lifetime Achiever.

Mrs Hurst said: "I couldn’t believe it. It is such an amazing feeling just to be nominated for something so big.

"I still have tears in my eyes just thinking about it. It means so much to me that people think I deserve one of these awards.

"I am just proud that people have put in nominations and I have made so many people happy during lockdown.

"I have raised money for cancer because my grandparents both died of it. I raised over £800 for that.

"Now, I am raising money for Mind UK because of the effects the pandemic is having on people’s mental health. So far, I have raised £100.

"I love to raise money for charity especially for important causes. I am proud people have noticed my charity work because that is the kind of person I am."

She now has an anxious wait until the Autumn to find out if she will become one of the final nominees who will appear on television.

At times in the past year, Mrs Hurst has thought about stopping her pageant work with the industry somewhat grinding to a halt.

But thanks to the support of her husband Sean and her past experiences, the 35-year-old has been able to continue.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Sean Hurst has been super supportive of his wifeSean Hurst has been super supportive of his wife

She added: "He has been giving me support and standing by me even in the difficult times. I felt like giving up, but he has kept me strong and supported me in my online pageants.

"He has always been there; he just thinks it is fantastic what I am doing. He said, 'if you do get selected for the Pride of Britain awards that would be amazing and there should be a big celebration for that'.

"I was bullied at high school; it was one of the toughest times. Being shy and quiet, not fitting in with the popular girls, it was awful and really damaged my self-esteem because kids can be really cruel.

"Now they cannot believe what I am doing. From being bullied it has made me strong inside and now I am proud with the person I have become."