Yarmouth woman in bid for national model prize following brain clot

University Campus Suffolk (UCS) Great Yarmouth Graduation Day 2012 at St Nicholas Minster, Great Yarmouth.Higher Education Student of the Year, Cheryl RoachPicture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2012)

Cheryl Roach, 38, was close to death in January 2009 after a large aneurysm burst in her brain.

Miraculously she survived, and now is to compete in the national finals of the Miss Galaxy contest.

The mother-of-two from Hopton discovered she had been placed in the finals by organisers of the competition who awarded her the title as Ms Great Yarmouth Galaxy 2015/16. She was chosen on the back of pictures she submitted to take part in the contest, and she will now take part in the grand final which is to be held in London, in February.

If she were to win, she would then be moved onto the Miss Galaxy Universe competition.

Yarmouth college art student, Cheryl Roach with her exhibition just a year after collapsing with with a brain aneurism and given little chance of life.Photo: Nick ButcherCopy: Stephen PullingerFor: EDP/ GYMArchant © 2010(01603) 772434 (Image: Archant © 2010)

This is held in Orlando, Florida, where she would compete against other models from across the globe.

Mrs Roach, said: 'I suppose ever since I had that life changing experience, I have always been determined to keep pushing myself and see what I can achieve.

'My mission has been to do as much as I can, and I have been doing as much modelling as I can and I am also very much into my art and have done several exhibitions in the past.'

Mrs Roach draws inspiration from the poses for her own figurative art in which she uses body paints and digital tools to create sculptures on canvas of her own body.

Yarmouth college art student, Cheryl Roach with her exhibition just a year after collapsing with with a brain aneurism and given little chance of life.Collect pic of Cheryl in hospital.Photo: SuppliedCopy: Stephen PullingerFor: EDP/ GYMArchant © 2010(01603) 772434 (Image: Archant © 2010)

'After the aneurysm I had to do something more calming, less stressful and something which I really loved.'

Since then she has completed a degree in Commercial Art and Design and a BA Hons in Arts Practice.

'As part of the Miss Galaxy event, I will have to go out there in swim wear, evening wear and fashion wear - it should be a really fun event and I will be doing it in aid of one of the largest hospital charities in the UK, the Christie Charity.'

Have you overcome adversity to find success? Email kieran.lynch@archant.co.uk