Frome ‘pin-up’ model to skydive for charity

FROME model Sarah Wingrove, known as Scarlett Luxe who won the first ever Miss Pinup UK in 2013, is taking part in a charity skydive for Crohn’s & Colitis UK, a disease she has had for the past 10 years.

Despite a fear of flying, Sarah will take to the skies on Saturday 27th April to raise money for the charity, but also to give something back to the NHS and those who helped her through her diagnosis.

Sarah said, “I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when I was 15 after I was fed up of constantly feeling tired, sick and having to visit the bathroom. I’m now 25 this year so almost 10  years diagnosed. 

“The diagnosis was not at all what I was expecting and changed my life in a heartbeat. I was diagnosed during my GCSE exams and was going through an almighty flare up. I spent 10 weeks on a liquid diet to control the flare up.

“Over the years I’ve had highs and lows. I’ve resorted back to liquid diets to get through flare ups. I’ve had courses of steroids and I’ve spent time in hospital when I just couldn’t cope.

“Currently, I am in a steady place with daily medication and IV infusions every six weeks, which is keeping me in remission. The constant support of my loved ones, friends and family have always got me through any dark times. I will forever be grateful to them all for always being understanding and picking me up again.

“My other love is the world of vintage! I work professionally as a vintage pinup model under the name Scarlett Luxe. I won the first Miss Pinup UK in 2013 and was crowned the Best Pinup Model in 2015 at the National Vintage Awards, plus I’ve been published modelling in international magazines and worked with international brands. The vintage style is what helps me to feel confident and like myself, even when I feel at my worst. It’s amazing what a slick of red lipstick can do for this girl! 

“I raise awareness by talking openly on social media about how Crohn’s affects my life, that I can be in a really good place and then out of the blue have a sudden onset of symptoms and be really low. I also share outfit pictures of when I have my IV infusions to show other Crohn’s sufferers that you don’t have to hand your life over to Crohn’s disease, you can still be yourself and enjoy life.

“For me, dressing in a vintage style makes me feel incredible and like myself so when I’m feeling rubbish or I’m in the hospital, I’ll dress up to make me feel good.  

“I’ve decided to do a skydive because I appreciate that I am incredibly lucky to be in remission and be able to take opportunities like modelling because I am well, so I want to do something to give support to those who might not be in such a great place, but to help give them hope that there are possibilities out there.

“I chose a skydive because it’s completely not me! I wanted to do something out of the ordinary for me that would challenge my nerves but also made me determined that I would complete the challenge. I am really excited to do something quite bonkers, but also a touch nervous because I wouldn’t be human if I wasn’t nervous! 

“Last year, I took part in the Crohns and Colitis UK WALK IT challenge walking the 10K route in Bristol. However, I wanted to challenge myself further and do the route in style, so I set myself the task of completing the route in heels! My boyfriend also joined me walking the route in heels and together we raised £1,400 for Crohns & Colitis UK.”

If you would like to help Sarah continue her fundraising for Crohn’s and Colitis UK, you can donate via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sarahscarletttakestothesky.