An inspiring mum who is a domestic abuse survivor is "overwhelmed" after being offered a place in Miss Voluptuous UK.

Kimberly Martin, 49, struggles with fibromyalgia, a life-long condition causing pain all over the body, and wants to prove that anything is possible.

She has turned her life around and said reaching the final of the plus sized pageant is the start of a new chapter.

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Kimberly, from Orpington, was just 19 when she got married.

"I got smacked around the face two weeks before my wedding," Kimberly bravely told News Shopper.

She described being "embarrassed" and afraid to tell anyone of the abuse she was enduring.

Kimberly, who spent 17 years married, said: "I wouldn’t change it in a way because my kids wouldn’t be my kids otherwise. "My three children are my world."

Miss Voluptuous UK involves contestants raising awareness for a meaningful cause or idea.

Between now and September's final Kimberly will organise fundraising events for Alzheimer’s.

Her voice will also be used to increase awareness about domestic abuse of men and women. She is currently a case worker for Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services (DAVS).

"At first I was like 'oh my god seriously'", Kimberly said of being told she made the final. "These ladies are beautiful and I cant understand it.

"When you go through stuff I’ve been through you need reassurance."

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Kimberly was encouraged to enter by her new fiancé, who she will marry next year.

"I asked him whether people will laugh at me," she recalled. "He said my friends and everyone who knew me will be so pleased."

Her loving partner of seven years was right and Kimberly said her three children, now 30, 25 and 12, are proud of her.

She said she "already feels like a winner" because of the confidence the competition has inspired.

Kimberly is using Miss Voluptuous UK to help others and she offered this advice to domestic abuse sufferers.

"You are not on your own," she began. "Don’t blame yourself. It is not your fault and I realise that now. You deserve better and love yourself before you love other people.

She went on: "There are helplines out there and don’t be ashamed. You will be surprised how many people are going through exactly the same.

"You don’t have to have marks and be hit where people can see them. Domestic abuse can be mental, sexual and physical."

The Orpington mum is currently designing her fashion dress for the pageant – a powerful display which will feature a puzzle with domestic abuse words and messages from DAVS.

"I’m very excited," she added. "Whether I win or don't, I have so much more self-esteem in myself.

"I’m going to give it my all. I hope I do win."