Gemma is close to reaching her £1,000 fundraising goal after deciding to enter the event 20 years after she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after turning 21.

It led to a gruelling course of treatment, followed by a bi-lateral mastectomy and full reconstruction. Five years later, Gemma was diagnosed with cervical cancer and, thanks to regular testing, it was caught early and was treated with surgery. 

Now Gemma is asking friends and contacts to dig deep to help her raise as much money as possible for vital research having been inspired to undertake a charitable initiative as part of her efforts to become Miss Great Britain 2023, having reached the finals of the competition. 

She said: “It has been a very difficult journey but with the support of my family and friends, I’ve fought cancer twice and I’ve survived.  

“Having cancer is a life changing event and can hit at any point in someone's life so I really wanted to do something positive to mark the 20th anniversary of my first diagnosis and thought the Pretty Muddy Race was the perfect way of raising much needed funds. 

“I hope people will support me as I’ve really stepped out of my comfort zone by taking on the challenge to become Miss Great Britain 2023 and by taking on events such as this.” 

To support Gemma in her fundraising efforts click here