Ex-beauty queen on a mission
FOR many people, Walmer mom Lauren Rushmere appears to have it all – model looks, a hunky husband, four adorable children and a stunning home that could grace the cover of any decor magazine.
But there is a lot more to this glamorous ex-beauty queen than meets the eye. Lauren spends much of her time raising funds for an educational trust which assists underprivileged children.
She has been involved with the React educational trust for about six years, and helps raise funds with four of her friends.
The trust currently assists six children financially with schooling. One of the children has now started high school.
Lauren said they worked closely with schools where they have children sponsored.
"It’s an awareness really. It also helps the children realise there are so many opportunities out there.”
She said they helped wherever they could – even when they get a call from one of their schools that a child needed rugby shorts.
"It is amazing how people react to the plight of so many disadvantaged children in the city,” she said.
Lauren is now working on a golf day fundraiser to be held at the Humewood golf course on July 27.
The Rushmeres also sponsor their domestic worker, Sylvia Dyaneli’s son Sibusiso’s schooling.
"Sylvia and Siso are a big part of our family,” said Lauren
Looking back, Lauren said winning the Evening Post Spring Queen title in 1986 had changed her life in many ways.
"I always thought I was going to dance, but winning opened so many doors,” laughed Lauren, who could still step out on a catwalk today.
Since an early age, Lauren believed her career path would involve dancing and the arts, and fondly recalled being in a Melrose Cheese advert when she was about 10.
For the last 21 years Lauren has been married to Port Elizabeth cricketer Mark Rushmere, and the Bay beauty has had one of the toughest jobs – being a mom.
"We met through my brother who also played cricket,” says Lauren.
The Rushmeres have four children, Michael, 18, Andrew, 16, David, 13, and daughter Grace, who is six.
They stay in the home Mark and his family grew up in.
"People often wonder what keeps me busy during the day, but my time is totally devoted to my children,” smiles Lauren.
Although Michael is away at Stellenbosch studying accountancy and Andrew is at St Andrew’s College, keeping up with David and Grace’s sport and extra-mural activities is a full-time job.
Lauren laughs: " I often have some sort of ball in my bag.”