A WOMAN who has a skin condition and overcame low self-esteem to become a model will take on a fundraising challenge.

Luissa Burton, from Worcester and a former Miss Worcestershire, still suffers from eczema and psoriasis but has competed in beauty pageants around the world.

Miss Burton now wants to raise money for the British Skin Foundation by climbing Mount Elbrus in Russia, Europe's highest mountain.

She said: "As a sufferer of eczema and psoriasis I wanted to take on a challenge to raise funds for the research of skin conditions and skin cancers.

"A large amount of the population has been affected by a skin condition at any time and conditions can cause severe low self esteem, depression and even lead to suicide.

"Although mostly I now have mine under control and in remission, I do occasionally have flare ups that cover my entire body.

"“Having an auto immune skin condition is a part of me. They are not “broken” parts of me, it will always be in my system. Yes it comes and goes and sometimes gets better entirely or sometimes covers my entire body.

"This used to be by permanent reality for a number of years until I was able to manage the underlying causes, so I fully understand the low feelings and reactions of society surrounding having a chronic skin condition.

"Having been in the modelling industry for over a decade, I was determined not to let it stop me from achieving my dreams.

"Reaching the summit with my Miss Europe World sash is a symbol of overcoming my limitations, challenges and hurdles during my modelling career.

"The hope is to inspire anyone who may be reading this that has a personal limitation whatever that may be.

"My fitness sponsors getting me fit and training me for the climb are Boxfitness Worcester, Train Commando Pershore and The Zen Shed Worcester.

"A huge thank you to my sponsors of the climb, Holonis, the next big social media platform."

She will take on the challenge from September 22 until October 9, including time learning how to climb using an axe or ice crampons.

She added about the climb: "Any mountain above 5500m brings unique risks. Acclimatization to the lack of oxygen is critical to success.”

"Lack of oxygen is a real and genuine danger on expeditions, being physically fit has no correlation to who will be affected."

Miss Burton was last month crowned Miss Europe World 2018 at the competition on MTV TV in Lebanon, with over 40 European countries competing, she also won a fitness award at the event.

She said: "I wish to use the title to show others that despite whatever their limitation in life, mine being working in the modelling industry with eczema and psoriasis skin conditions, we all have our own personal mountains to climb.

She has been an ambassador for the British Skin Foundation for five years and for this challenge has so far raised £1,785.

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/luissa-burton2