Issue 145

Waterfront's High Street Honey

25th September 2006

Gina Bartlett entered FHM's High Street Honey competition, taking a series of racy shots to help her campaign. She's made the second round, and talked to Andrew Gwilym about her motivation...

It's not very often that Swansea University shares anything with the perennially popular lad's mag FHM but that has all changed now that our very own Gina Bartlett has made it into the top 100 in the magazine's High Street Honeys competition.

But far from dreaming of a career in modelling Gina is hoping to use the competition as a means of improving her career prospects.

"I have always had a love of animals," says Gina. "I want to go on to Vet School but the fees are very high and so if I were to win the competition I would put the money towards that."

Gina is also keen to point out that she has no qualms about using the competition to try and help her career. "I feel that my pictures are far more tasteful than some of the images that other girls have used and I don't feel that I am demeaning myself and I feel that the end justifies the means."

Gina has recently returned from a spell in Zambia which has further strengthened her resolve to succeed in her chosen career. "It was such a wonderful experience," she says. "Despite not having any hot water it was made really special by the people and the animals.

"I got to see the last two white rhinos in Zambia and see lions and tigers close up. It was just incredible!

"I can understand that for some people that may not be particularly exciting but to me it was a great time. We were able to show the locals how to take care of their animals and look after them if they are unwell.

"I was checking the animals for worms and stuff like that and showing the locals how to test. It isn't glamorous but it is something that I am desperate to spend my life doing because I love dealing with people who love their animals. I guess that is what being a vet is all about."

As she now begins her final year in Swansea Gina is also keen to thank the friends who have supported her in her entry to the competition.

"I have to say that my friends have been really supportive of me," she says. "I knew that the people that care about me would be willing to help and I cannot thank them enough. Also for anyone who votes for me I just want to say a big thank you as you will be really helping me move myself forward."

The 22 year old has already garnered plenty of admirers on the FHM website but she is surprised to learn that she has even been the subject of a poem! The Ballad of Gina Bartlett may not be a literary classic but it is enough to bring tears of laughter to Gina's eyes. "Oh my goodness that's ridiculous," she says, barely able to contain her amusement, "I will have to tell my mum about that and I bet she won't believe me!"

A victory for Gina would see her grace the front cover of FHM and scoop £10,000. A top ten position will see her be part of an FHM spread on the top ten honeys and Waterfront and Front want you all to back our campaign to "Vote Gina" and help the Worcester lass achieve her goal.

With the deadline for voting soon coming to a close we at Waterfront want all of you out there to vote for Gina. You can vote by sending an email with your name followed by Gina Bartlett number 93 to honeysvote@fhm.com. So get online and cast your vote and we will update you on Gina's progress.

Andrew Gwilym