A former Miss England left unable to work as a personal trainer during lockdown is turning to online fitness classes - with all the proceeds going to charity.
Model Alisha Cowie, who was also Miss Newcastle in 2017, qualified as a personal trainer around six months ago for the James Garrity Fitness Academy.
But with gyms having been closed for most of the year, the 21-year-old is now taking to Zoom to host classes instead.
And throughout February, every penny she makes from the sessions will be donated to her two chosen charities.
Alisha, who is currently in her final year studying Crime Scene Investigation at Teesside University, became an ambassador for suicide prevention charity Papyrus two years ago after the death of her best friend.
The funds will be split between Papyrus and A-Sisterhood - an organisation which “provides empowering projects for women”.
Alisha, from Spennymoor but currently living in Heaton, Newcastle, said: “It’s a strange time. There are no face to face classes at uni, but we have online lectures, and I’m in my final year so I’m trying to get through my dissertation.”
“I qualified as a personal trainer around six months ago after my own personal trainer encouraged me to go for it.
“From February 5 I’ll be doing all Zoom classes, targeting different parts of the body, and anyone can join in from home.
“Every single penny that I make from these zooms will be donated to charity.
“I’m trying to do a fundraiser every single month this year to make 2021 a brilliant year regardless of any Covid-19 setbacks.”
Alisha lost her best friend Sarah to suicide seven years ago and became an ambassador for Papyrus to help others in her memory.
Alisha previously said the tragedy has spurred her on and is the motivation behind her studying forensic crime scene investigation at Teesside University.
In 2018 she told us she hoped hopes sharing Sarah's story will help others struggling with their mental health to seek help.
"Over the years mental health awareness has developed less of a stigma but it’s still a difficult subject to touch on," she said.
"I would actually beg anyone who has bad thoughts to seek help.
"It’ll be the best thing you will ever do, not only for yourself but for your loved ones too."
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