“I want to become a role model for those who are struggling” - Halifax woman Ellie hoping her story will inspire others

Ellie Brook, 23, who grew up in Luddendenfoot and now lives in Halifax, is a university student and international beauty pageant contestant.

Ellie is a finalist in the prestigious 2021 Miss International beauty pageant and wants to use the profile of such competitions to help make a difference to the lives of young people

Since the age of 16, Ellie has battled with anorexia and bulimia, and aged 19, was diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression after being sexually assaulted.

“I have been faced with the rock bottom level of life to choose whether I take my own life or find the inner strength to get up and fight to get my life back,” she said.

“I discovered pageants in 2018 when I became a finalist for the UK Galaxy pageants and I was Miss Halifax Galaxy.

“Last year I competed in the Royal International Miss UK pageant and was third runner up.

“This time around I am ready to step it up to compete in one of top three pageants in the world and take on Miss International where I am proud to represent West Yorkshire. Hopefully I will achieve the UK title in July which will take me to Japan to compete in internationals.”

In 2019, Ellie launched her Mental Beauty project, which has included returning to former school Crossley Heath to deliver self-confidence workshops.

And Ellie, who is studying law and criminal justice at Liverpool John Moores University, wants to go into more schools to reach as many young people as possible.

“I aim to get back into schools in the next few months with a fully developed programme teaching students on positive mental health as I see so many young lives destroyed by this on a daily basic on social media alone,” she said. “I want to become a role model for those who are struggling.

“Recently I have started my own YouTube channel where a lot of my content relates to mental health awareness and promoting positivity as I also aspire to influence people through the power of social media. I am determined to inspire and influence as many lives as I can.”