A COLCHESTER mum of two is competing in a national beauty pagent, proving that mental health sufferers can achieve their dreams.

Dani Capri, 31, is a former Colcestrian, who moved to Suffolk for a quieter life.

This year she will represent Suffolk in the UK National Miss pageant, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

The mum of two children aged nine and five, suffers from emotionally unstable personality disorder, social anxiety and severe depression, which has hindered her from realising her dreams.

Speaking on her mental health, Dani said: “I have had this dream since I was a little girl, but due to my mental health and anxiety I have struggled to feel good enough to compete in any pageant.

Gazette: Dani Capri will raise money for MIND mental health charity with her performance at the pagaent.Dani Capri will raise money for MIND mental health charity with her performance at the pagaent. (Image: Dani-Capri Turner)

“I have controlled my mental health and anxiety with medication for some time now for around 15 years, it’s a battle that never goes away. I have had to learn to live with it and embrace who I am

“After years and years of friends telling me to just ‘go for it’, I started modeling for brands for fashion, swimwear, gym-wear and influencing younger girls on Instagram.

“Girls, if put your mind to it no matter what health condition or illness you suffer from you can achieve any goal if you put your mind to it.”

Dani-Capri will compete in the ‘Ms’ category in July 2023, she is currently looking for sponsorship for outfits and dresses or a donation to MIND mental health charity.