What do you think of when we say Miss England? Models in swimsuits describing their perfect date? Well the Miss England contest has come a long way since those days, and we are so proud to be supporting our very own, and very gorgeous, Sophie in her Miss England journey.

Sophie used to work in our Beaconsfield boutique bringing her warmth and enthusiasm to help many beautiful brides find their perfect gown. She is now through to the Semifinals of the Miss England contest, the winner of which will represent England at Miss World!

The emphasis of charity work is a major part of the pageant and over the past three years, the Miss England competition has raised in excess of £350,000 for various children’s charities using the slogan ‘Beauty with a Purpose’!

In Sophie’s own words; “I originally entered Miss England to teach my four year old niece, Amelia, the value of charity work and the importance of kindness. I truly believe that anyone, at any age can be a role model; last year, 7 year old Ashley Vose made headlines for raising more than £20,000 for a variety of charities, despite battling multiple health conditions. She has helped so many children in need through donating her birthday and Christmas money to charity and sourcing toys for children without any. Amelia will be starting school this year and one of my main goals is not only to be a role model for her and her classmates but also encourage Amelia to be a role model too!

So far, I have had a fantastic experience organising three children’s charity events, four bake sales and I am now training for a Half Marathon.” (You can sponsor Sophie’s half marathon online at www.virginmoneygiving.com/SophieDunning)

You can check our Sophie’s latest fundraising antics on her facebook page www.facebook.com/MissEnglandContestantSDunning/. 

All contestants have also been asked to create a stylish recycled outfit for the Eco Round, women’s equality is of huge importance to Sophie and she has therefore chosen the year 1928 for inspiration to create her outfit; the year women received the vote on the same terms as men. #GIRLPOWER!

To support Sophie you can text ‘MISS SEMIFINAL27’ to 63333 (Texts cost 50p plus your standard network rate), for full details go to www.missengland.info/semifinalists. The semifinals are being held on 11th June, and we are rooting for Sophie!

Good luck you gorgeous girlie!!

Love Ellie and the girls x