Sussex Miss Great Britain hopeful wants to use platform for good

Former rugby player Danielle Evans says she is excited to represent Hastings at the upcoming beauty contest final in October.

The 27-year-old, who works as a marketing executive for Gilbert Rugby, began taking part in pageants a few years ago after being inspired by a friend who entered Miss Brighton.

Danielle won the Miss Brighton title twice before being crowned Miss Hastings and wants to use her position to help people of all abilities access sport in the area.

Danielle Evans (Image: Daniel Evans)

“My mission is to raise awareness for diversity, inclusion and acceptance,” she said.

“Being a plus size girl, I want to show that you can achieve anything, like compete in a pageant.

“Additionally, I want to help provide resources for people living with disabilities on how they can get active in their community and how clubs/sports can do more to support them.”

Danielle, who also works as a support worker at the weekends looking after children with complex disabilities, launched her #TryMe campaign, which she has now renamed Invictus, in 2019.

Danielle is passionate about rugby (Image: Danielle Evans)

“It is about encouraging more women into the sports industry, not just to play,” she said.

“To take up spaces in male-dominated areas and to create more opportunities for people with disabilities as well.

“It’s about encouraging that inclusion by working with organisations and clubs on how they can adapt to become more accessible.

“There are a lot of little things that I think can be adapted.”

Danielle said many facilities are expensive and there is a need to create more spaces for people to take part in sport.

She is now looking into starting her own women’s rugby team in the Hastings area.

“There seems to be a lot of men’s teams but not many women’s in the area,” she said.

“That is my next project. I want to encourage all abilities no matter your fitness level.

“You can join in if you have a disability. There are statistics that show there are so many people with disabilities who want to get active but face barriers.”

Danielle says she tries not to let her own health problems get in the way of her being active.

She was left with long term lung issues after being born at 26 weeks weighing less than one pound.

Danielle was born at 26 weeks (Image: Danielle Evans)

Doctors gave her a five per cent chance of survival.

“I’m still learning about it to this day,” she said. “I try not to let it stop me being active.”

She says beauty pageants are very different to what people might think.

“People have this stereotype of what it was like in the 60s and 70s like you’re judged on your body weight and you have to look a certain way,” she said. “I would say it’s not like that at all.

“What I love about the Miss Great Britain system is that you’re not marked on what you look like it’s usually about what you want to achieve with your title which I think it should be about.

Danielle after winning Miss Brighton for the second time in a row (Image: Danielle Evans)

“I’m excited to get involved with the community and teach them about my story but also learn from the community.

“I think it’s really important to represent the town properly.

“What’s the point in having a sash if you’re not going to get out there, meet the people and allow them to tell you what they need from you as an ambassador?”