Miss Brighton highlighting Crohn's disease in Miss Great Britain bid

Poppy Griffiths, 20, wants to spread the word that the illnesses, a form of painful inflammatory bowel disease, “does not have to control your life”.

She was diagnosed with Crohn’s aged 15 which comes and goes in waves. She is now using her platform to champion the charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK, with hopes of taking her message national.

“To win Miss Brighton was unexpected but such a good experience,” said student teacher Poppy.

“Unfortunately it was all online but they asked me what winning would mean to me and how I would use the title of Miss Brighton.”

The charity is working to create greater support for those living with Crohn’s or Colitis and towards “a world free from Crohn’s and Colitis tomorrow”.

Poppy Griffiths (Image: Submitted)

“Crohn’s has affected me a lot because I was diagnosed at a point in life when you wanted to be doing the thing my friends were,” said Poppy.

“My friends have been so supportive of me and are helping me prepare for Miss Great Britain.

“I’ve been doing a lot of charity events to raise money for Crohn’s and Colitis UK and learning to walk in heels as well, because that’s nothing I’m used to, and learning to speak with the media.”

Poppy said that while she is nervous, she is excited to be involved with her first live pageant this October.

With Crohn’s disease, the charity says that “your immune system starts attacking your gut. This causes painful ulcers and inflammation that can be anywhere in your gut from your mouth to your bum. It is most common in the small bowel and colon".

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There is no cure however symptoms can be managed with a variety of treatments.

Crohn’s and Colitis UK said: “The aim of treatment is to stop the inflammation in your gut.

“This will reduce or get rid of your symptoms, make you feel better and reduce the risk of complications or your condition getting worse over time.”