As she works towards representing the UK on the international stage, a pageant queen has opened up about her background and charity work.

Himani Patel won her first pageant in 2016 and will now represent Kent at the national finals of Miss Galaxy UK 2021.

The 20-year-old said: "Since winning my first pageant I've found the community so positive and it has given me a a platform to make an impact, it has given me lots of opportunities.

"I've never faced anything like racism, if anything the pageants have helped me embrace who I am.

"There are lots of stereotypes about the pageant community but it isn't like that at all, we all work together, it is more than a competition.

"My family and friends are really supportive and enjoy all the dressing up and public appearances.

Himani was a pupil at Rainham School for Girls and hopes to attend medical school next year.

The insurance technician said: "To juggle everything I have a really strict schedules and time management, I have an hour-by-hour plan.

"Growing up I travelled with my grandad and cousin a lot.

"We would fundraise abroad and my grandad would show us what was going on in the world.

"It felt like I had a responsibility to give back because of my privilege.

"It helped with my confidence and helped open my mind and shape me into the person I am today."

Last year Himani, of Balmoral Road, Gillingham, was chosen as Miss Kent Galaxy and now has the opportunity to represent Kent at the national finals of Miss Galaxy UK 2021 in November.

If she wins she will be able to represent the country on the international stage.

She said: "This is an incredible honour to represent all of us and what we stand for.

"As Miss Kent Galaxy my duties include being an active member of the community by raising awareness of multiple different causes.

"I have been meeting with multiple different charity organisations to travelling internationally whilst raising awareness and supporting my advocacy."

Himani started her pageant journey with Miss Teen Great Britain where she placed top 10 among 60.

She said: "I had an amazing experience with so many exciting opportunities.

"The past four years of my life have given me the insight on the world we live in today and it really made me realise just how privileged we are to live the lives that we do.

"In 2019 when I was Miss Teen Gillingham, I had the opportunity to visit some countries which weren’t as developed and had a weak education system.

"One was India, this was a crazy experience for me as I was able to work with these children who unfortunately didn’t have access to education at all and for some they didn’t even know if they were able to have food on their table.

"This really struck me and I was shocked, it made me realise that so many of these children who could be behind the next scientific discovery, or the next prime minister or even the biggest doctor, lawyer etc.

"These children had a voice and it wasn’t being heard.

"Having done many other international trips like this was the main reason I decided to launch TWS (Together We’re Stronger)."

TWS aims to ensure that every child has sufficient resources like education, medical, housing and food.

Himani added: "These are the basic needs that are a human right and it is the first step to allow these children to chase their dreams.

"Thanks to the year-round funding we manage to collect, we are able to say we can provide full-time education, housing and food for two children.

"In addition to this we are also providing extra online classes for children who come from disadvantage backgrounds who may need extra support to stay up to date with the UK school curriculum."

As the current Miss Kent Galaxy, Himani will continue to work with TWS to ensure education is accessible to all and not just some.

She is also an ambassador for the Great Ormand Street Children’s Charity.

She said: "This has been a huge honour for me as the hospital really does change the lives of these children and I have no words for the work they carry out because it is simply just phenomenal.

"It brings me immense joy and pride to be working with such an incredible organisation."

Himani also works with Smile Train as their social media ambassador raising awareness of their work.

It provides free cleft surgery to children; creating smiles all year round.

Outside of the pageant industry Himani is a student working to get into medical school, hopefully to peruse neurosurgery.

She said: "It's crazy to balance everything but the change I am able to make truly brings a smile on my face.

"I also enjoy adventures, which is why I decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – the tallest free-standing mountain in the world – or better known as the Roof of Africa.

"I’m fundraising for the Christie charity and TWS as part of my climb to the summit.

"Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 the date has been pushed back to 2022, the funds really do support these charities in creating a long-lasting change and it’s something I’m so proud of.

"As my preparations go on for Miss Galaxy UK I am hoping to use my voice to speak for every child and everyone who unfortunately isn’t being heard."

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