Louise Glover says she is a survivor as she documents homeless journey

After competing in Miss Great Britain, Louise Glover, from St Helens, began making a name for herself in the modelling industry and was crowned Playboy’s 'Model of the Year' back in 2006.

Following her glamour modelling career, which saw her rise to prominence in the industry but also attract some negative headlines, Louise has gone on to work in various roles such as a fitness instructor, freelance presenter, and dog walker. 

However, after work dried up in her dog walking business and her landlord hiked her rent, Louise, who had already been struggling with the cost of living crisis, found herself homeless in July.

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Louise has been homeless since her dog walking business dried up (Image: Louise Glover) After a brief spell of couch surfing, Louise has been living in a tent at various sites around Windsor for the past few months, and although she finds herself in a desperate situation, the former Sutton High pupil said she feels "more energised than [she] has been in a long time".

Louise, 41, said: "Over the past few years, I have had constant issues with landlords or people I was living with. I just didn't feel comfortable living in the places where I was and the stress of it was actually making me ill.

"I was already struggling with the cost of living crisis because things just aren't affordable anymore. After my landlord hiked my rent, I had no other option apart from homelessness.

"I have no family to fall back on and I didn't find the council and homeless charities very helpful, so I used my own initiative to buy a tent and find spaces where I can camp.

"I have had some rough nights with the weather but I actually feel like I can breathe again, and I feel more energised than I have been in a long time."

Louise climbed Mount Everest base camp to scatter her mums ashes (Image: Louise Glover) This renewed vitality, Louise explains, comes after a period of reflection on her life, struggles, and resilience.

After a period of living in foster care in her youth, the 41-year-old admitted that she struggled with anxiety after her modelling career ended, and she fell almost fatally ill with septicaemia back in 2012.

In recent years, Louise's mum and dad died in relatively quick succession and she climbed Mount Everest base camp in her mum’s honour to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. She also raised money for the British Lung Foundation in tribute to her dad.

"Now I've had a bit more time for myself, I look back and I've realised how much I have been through and overcome", Louise added.

"I have felt so worthless at times over the past ten years, but I've always been able to get myself going again after everything that has happened to me. I've always found work and I've travelled the world to raise money for charity.

"This is why I actually see my story as one of resilience, and I've realised I'm a real survivor. It's why I'm not afraid to share my story now I've been made homeless."

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A post shared by Louise Glover (@louiseglover)

With Louise sharing her homeless journey through social media, she says she is doing this to show the reality of homelessness and highlight the risk of people being made homeless.

After international news organisations have reported on Louise's story, the 41-year-old said she has been "overwhelmed" with messages from people wishing her well. Louise's cousin back in St Helens has also set up a GoFundMe to help her get back on her feet with some upfront cash for a landlord.

Saints fan Louise with women’s captain Jodie Cunningham (Image: Louise Glover)

Louise added: "Homelessness looks different for everyone, from people couch surfing and living in tents or hostels, to those who are living on the streets.

"I wanted to show the reality of this and show how easily people can end up like this, but I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the response I have had.

"I have had messages from people all over the world offering me support, or saying how they have been in a similar situation.

"I do have some family back in St Helens who are supporting me from afar, and I'm waiting for money for previous freelance work, but it's not a lot. This is why my cousin set up the fundraiser, so I can get back on my feet and find some stability again."

Do you have a news story? I cover the whole of the St Helens borough and surrounding areas. Email conal.cunningham@newsquest.co.uk