07 August 2023 , 09:33
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Former glamour model Melinda Messenger is engaged to survival expert Dr Raj Joshi. He dropped down to one knee during their trip to New Zealand.
The 52-year-old shared the exciting news on Instagram, writing: "We've got some very happy news to share. @raj.joshi.expedition and I got engaged in beautiful New Zealand at Matariki, the Māori New year, and we are getting married next year!" In the photo, both beamed for the camera as they posed for the camera.
Fans were delighted and rushed to the comment section to congratulate them. One user wrote: "Ahhhh we LOVE love! thanks for sharing this gorgeous news with us @melinda.j.messenger_ you deserve nothing but the good, good stuff!"
"Congratulations darling. Amazing. You can trek the world together," one user said while another commented: "A match made in…….mountains? A great big hearty congratulations to you both."
She shared the exciting news on InstagramThe mother-of-three is said to have met Dr Raj while preparing for a 48-mile hike across Nepal in order to raise money for the construction of a residential school for deaf children.
Ex model Melinda Messenger 'happier than ever' as she trains for Nepal trek
Melinda and Dr Raj hiked Mount Snowden in order to train for her Nepalese expedition. Speaking to the Mirror, she previously explained: "Being in your 50s is such an important and powerful stage in life. And the challenge is to keep on growing and developing."
She added: "You shouldn’t stop when you get to a certain age. It’s good to keep challenging yourself. As I have got older, I am much happier and I don’t care what I look like if I fail.” Melinda chose Nepal as she fell in love with the nation a decade ago when she visited her brother at Christmas.
Melinda trained for her Nepalese expedition with Dr Raj (Instagram)
Her last relationship was a brief one in 2019 (Getty Images)Melinda has been keeping a close eye on the plight of the Nepalese people since the earthquake there in April 2015, explaining: "My heart goes out to them. I pray they receive assistance. Nepal is such a beautiful place and the people who live there are so kind and generous.
“But after the earthquake in 2015, they needed funds so badly for a lot of things, including renovating a school for deaf children. I know it will help enhance their learning and give them the best possible start in life. I’m really motivated for this.” Her trek was organised by none other than her fiancé Dr Raj - who runs the travel company Adventure Boutique.
Melinda was married to Wayne Roberts for 14 years but divorced him in 2012 and went on to enjoy several other relationships. Her previous romance was with former Royal Marine Chris Harding who she met on Celebrity First Dates, but that ended after eight months in 2019.