Fleet mother prepares to show off her ‘new temple’ in national beauty competition

A weight loss surgery patient is set to show off her ‘new temple’ when she represents Lincolnshire at a beauty pageant next year.

Crystal Rudd, of Fleet, will be strutting her stuff at the Miss Bariatric competition on September 13, 2025, and is hoping to make her late grandmother proud.

She said: “I have never done anything like this, it’s completely out of my comfort zone.

“The pageant is all about empowering and uplifting women who have been big and have thought they would never do anything like it.

“I’m hoping to do my nan proud as she won’t be here to see it and I’m hoping for another confidence boost.”

Crystal previously flew to Turkey for a gastric sleeve operation – where she lost more than eight stone.

The mother of three will return in January for a tummy tuck and arm lift, which is a procedure that involves removing excess skin and fat.

Crystal added: “I’m really excited for it. I will have a new body by then so I’ll be showing off my temple.

“All of the ladies who are involved all know what each other is going through, as we have all had similar procedures.

“I have made lots of friends within the bariatric community and it has brought everyone together because we uplift each other.

“I don’t even want to win. I just want to say I have done it and it’s something I get to hold on to and remember.

“I’m just looking forward to having fun with the other girls, dressing up and taking part in all of the categories.”

This year’s categories feature Photogenic, Interview, Evening Gown, Fun Fashion and optional Swimwear. The event will be held at a venue in Surrey next year.