Ms Great Britain 2020 April Banbury named as ambassador for Preston-based eating disorder charity S.E.E.D.

April Banbury, who was named Ms Great Britain in February, has pledged her support for S.E.E.D. (Support and Education for Eating Disorders) and has spoken of her excitement at working with the charity over the course of the year to help raise awareness of these debilitating illnesses.

The daughter of Ian Banbury, who represented Great Britain in the 1976 Olympic Games, April first started experiencing issues with her diet at the age of eight when her mother left home and she restricted her diet as a coping mechanism. Anorexia took hold until the age of 13, when April realised she was mentally ready to receive the treatment she so desperately needed.

“My own personal experience with eating disorders has led me to support S.E.E.D. and I really hope that by working with the charity, sharing my journey, and indeed some of the incredible lows along the way, will really resonate and help people currently struggling with their own mental health and eating disorder," said April, twice a runner-up in the Miss Great Britain contest.

“As with all eating disorders, anorexia controls you and getting the right treatment is vital," she added. "Those suffering will also be cleverly hiding the truth and so I also really want to work with families and worried relatives to help them spot some of the behavioral and psychological signs too."

With reports showing a stark rise in eating disorders during lockdown, S.E.E.D. Lancashire offers vital online and offline support services for both people suffering from eating disorders and their carers. April, who is now recovered and a successful bridal stylist and designer who has had work showcased at London Fashion Week, says that support is crucial.

"It's vital that people know the services exist so more people access them and that's one of my key objectives of my role as ambassador," she explained. "I really want to inspire others to fulfill the dreams and to never give up but to do that, they need to reach out for the right support.”

With April raising awareness across social media, doing 'social takeovers', and by taking part in S.E.E.D. events including a charity fashion show, the charity's CEO, Shelley Perry, said: “To have April on board is fantastic. Having an ambassador to raise the awareness of both mental health and eating disorders in the county is critical as people are just not accessing the services and treatments available which can really turn their lives around.

"Whether that is lack of awareness or denial, it is a real cause for concern and statistics are startling, especially in children," added Shelley. "Early intervention is key and that is where S.E.E.D and its treatment arm, Breathe Therapies, is bridging the gap.”