A TREDEGAR student and beauty queen is using her titles to raise funds for a Valleys hospice.

Sophie Bettridge, 19, who is in her first year of university in Swansea training to be a nurse, is the title holder for Miss Galaxy Blaenau Gwent.

She was a Miss Wales grand finalist in 2013 and this year won Miss Charity Wales Galaxy at the beginning of March for raising money for the Christie charity. She has been made a Miss South Wales Inspiration and Face of the Globe Wales finalist.

She said: “I hope to make a platform for palliative care through hopefully winning the titles.”

Ms Bettridge is including a 100km bike ride to raise funds for the Christie charity, which is a charity for cancer care and research.

She is warming up for the Hospice of the Valleys’ Lap the Lake Fun Run and 10k Race event at Parc Bryn Bach, Tredegar on April 27.

She said: “I hope loads of people get behind this fantastic cause and take part.”

The Hospice offers a 24/7, 365 day a year palliative care service to people with life-limiting illnesses.

To take part in Lap the Lake phone 01495 717277 and request a registration form or visit hospiceofthevalleys.org.uk To donate to Sophie’s bike ride visit justgiving.com/sophie-bettridge