Bournemouth mum paralysed by illness to compete at Miss British Empire

Samantha Lewis, 37, is an experienced pageant competitor, winning Miss Bournemouth at 18 years old and becoming a finalist for Miss United Kingdom.

However, last year Samantha was medically induced into a coma after battling severe pancreatitis, sepsis, and organ failure.

Samantha was hospitalised for seven months and had to put her busy life on hold, as a mother, model, pageant competitor and children’s entertainer.

“I normally dress up as a Disney princess and do children's parties and I haven't been able to do anything and it's just taken me a year and a half to get well, get recovered,” said Samantha.

“I've only just got the all clear and had my follow up at the hospital last week to say that the disease is finally gone and resolved.”

She said that the ordeal has been ‘horrendous’ but was ‘honoured’ to be asked to represent her hometown, Bournemouth, at such a prestigious event.

READ MORE: Bournemouth mother left fighting for life in hospital after ‘traumatic’ illness

“My consultant said to me last week, ‘Samantha we cannot believe how you’ve survived what you went through, on paper you really should be dead.”

Samantha became paralysed from the illness and dropped down to five stone in weight, she said her body had turned into a ‘skeleton’.

“I couldn’t walk, my partner had to push me in a wheelchair, I thought my legs were never going to walk again.

“When I put my high heels on for the first time I was literally jumping and dancing around the shop, practicing my walk because I was so delighted.”

Samantha said she is ‘lucky to be alive’ and is so grateful to take the opportunity to compete again.

“This is why it’s massive for me to be able to go out there and shine and hopefully bring the crown back to Bournemouth.”

Samantha will be travelling to Weston-super-Mare, Somerset next week to prepare for Miss British Empire on August 12.