FROM the glamour of Miss Universe to the rigours of training for one of the toughest runs around is all in a day’s work for beauty queen Kelly Rowlands.

Kelly was named second runner-up at last week’s glitzy search for Miss Universe Great Britain, which was organised by mogul Donald Trump. The three-day event was held at The Marriot Hotel, Cardiff, and saw Kelly, who lives in Pontarddulais, take part in a gruelling schedule of events ending with the pageant itself on Saturday night.

But no sooner had she arrived back home, 25-year-old Kelly had turned her mind to her next challenge – running 62 miles (100km) in order to raise cash for a cause extremely close to her heart.

Because in September, Kelly will be swapping heels for trainers to take part in the Thames Valley Path Challenge in aid of Cancer Research, who Kelly and her family are supporting following the diagnosis of her father Jack Galinsky with terminal lung cancer.

Kelly is hoping to raise tons of cash for her challenge and has already been promised a large amount of funding from Trade Centre Wales, who has also offered to double their donation if Jack keeps up his battle against his illness.

It’s all in a day’s work for Kelly though, who has been juggling work as manager of her families’ scrap business, Ammanford Metal Recycling, with her passion for not just beauty pageants but cycling and fitness.

A former Miss Galaxy, Kelly has also managed to raise thousands of pounds of money for charity already, after taking part in several fundraising events, including cycling 100 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats – raising more than £2,000 for local animal charities, cycling from London to Paris in aid of Bobath Children’s Therapy Centre for Wales and from Caernarfon to Laugharne for the Wales Air Ambulance. Bike-mad Kelly has also recently taken part in a half Iron Man contest in England.

Speaking after the Miss Universe event, Kelly said she was "overwhelmed" to have been placed so highly and said she was "still on a high".

“It’s just been such an amazing event to have been involved in. I am so thrilled to have been a runner-up. This is such a different level to compete at, the standard was incredibly high.

“It’s been non-stop preparing for it and its been full on, especially as I’ve been training too. I’ve had to train in winter kit to stop tans marks.

“But after the event it was nice to ditch the heels and get on my bike gain.”

Talking about the Thames Valley Path run, Kelly added: “I love challenges and this was one I couldn’t resist. And since my father’s diagnosis it seemed really fitting to raise money for Cancer Research.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who supports me. I couldn’t get through anything I do without their help and support.”

If you want to support Kelly you can donate online via her Just Giving page at Kelly’s 100k Challenge.