A Redbourn local has reached the finals of the Miss Hertfordshire competition just three months after she was nearly killed in a car accident.
Jessica Frankish had to use a Zimmer frame to walk down the catwalk at the competition after she broke several bones including her hip, legs and wrist when she was involved in the accident in December.
Although Jessica didn’t win, she was very pleased to make it to the final 12.
The 23 year old said: “Mine was the last name to be called out and I was so shocked.
“I just couldn’t believe it – I was so happy.”
Jessica was hit by a car in December when she was crossing Hemel Hempstead Road in Redbourn.
She has been unable to walk unaided since the accident and has relied on her family and boyfriend to help her.
She said: “It was so bad – it was the worst thing that has ever happened to me.”
She was unsure whether she still wanted to take part in the competition after her accident meant that she was confined to a wheelchair but was convinced by the competition’s organisers.
She said: “I was so upset when I came out, I didn’t really feel like taking part but the lady was so nice and said just to come along.
“I was so nervous – all the other girls could strut and turn but I couldn’t even walk. When I started getting better I did really want to do it. I can’t really do much now and I can’t go out much so it was really nice just to go and be with a group of other girls. I ended up having the best night – it was the most fun I have had for ages.”