A CHARTERED accountant who suffered from eating disorders for many years is in the running to represent Great Britain at the Miss Universe pageant.

25-year-old Jordan-Louise Smith, from Barrow, will join around 30 other shortlisted contestants in the 2023 Miss Universe Great Britain competition in South Wales in July.

The winner will be able to represent Great Britain in Miss Universe in El Salvador at the end of the year.

She has been an active fundraiser for Beat, the UK's Eating Disorder Charity, for over 3 years and become an ambassador for the charity.

ordan suffered from eating disorders for many years. Now that she is several years into her recovery, she is determined to use her platform to educate about the types, effects and misconceptions associated with Eating Disorders.

She believes that if there had been a better understanding of eating disorders, she would have received a diagnosis and treatment much earlier and would not have endured much of the torment she has growing up.

As part of her journey, Jordan is fundraising for both Beat and A-Sisterhood – an organisation supporting women's advancement worldwide.

This year, monies from the fundraising will go to several female-related causes, including Stop Acid Attacks in India, which helps survivors of acid violence. A donation will also be given to a female cause chosen and supported by the new titleholder.

Jordan said: "I am over the moon to have been once again chosen as a finalist for Miss Universe Great Britain. Being part of this competition has helped me to understand who I truly am and the value I have to offer. It has empowered me to use the knowledge and experience I have to help others and to use my voice to encourage others to speak out and provide a voice for those who are not yet able to use their own."

"Miss Universe is arguably the biggest pageant in the world, and it would be a dream come true to represent Great Britain on the international stage in El Salvador in December. There is a lot of hard work and dedication that goes into competitions like these, but I truly cannot wait!"

Jordan holds a first-class honours degree in accounting and finance from Lancaster University. She has recently completed her studies to become a chartered accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) and now works at one of the world's four largest professional services firms within the finance industry.

National director of Miss Universe Great Britain Paula Abbandonato said: "We have an incredible line-up of young women at Miss Universe Great Britain once again this year. They are all bring something special to the table and are proud to be feminists in heels. It's going to be an excellent competition, and I wish them all the very best of luck."