23-05-2025
Wimborne woman organises fayre to raise funds for cancer research
IN A bid to represent Dorset in a national competition, a Wimborne woman has organised a charity fundraising fayre at the end of this month
Issy Johnson, 19, from Wimborne, is one of 10 finalists for the Miss Dorset competition and hopes to represent the county on a national level while also raising money for Cancer Research UK.
She said: 'I never thought I'd get to where I am now so to get to the next level would be amazing.
As part of her pageantry and to give back to the community, she has organised a family friendly fayre to raise money for Cancer Research UK, a cause she said is 'close to her heart'.
Read more: Pub announces music lineup for Wimborne Folk Festival 2025
Issy Johnson (Image: Issy Johnson) The fayre will be held on Sunday May 31 and Monday June 1 in Conels on Haslop Road, a private garden hosting its first ever event.
She said 'Cancer affects everyone. I know people that have died from cancer or are suffering from it and I just want to help as much as I can.'
The fundraiser will have live music, including performance from authentic tribute band 'The Beatles Experience', local artists and activities for children to take part in.
She previously entered the competition in Surrey and is hoping to exceed the £2,000 she raised last year.
Despite being born and raised in Wimborne, Issy said she has not had an 'average' childhood.
See also: Purbeck Cider Company launches first non-alcoholic cider
After leaving school at the age of nine-years-old, she travelled all over the world with her family, spending time in countries like the United States, Japan and Russia.
She added her experiences living abroad helped her 'become more adaptable and open-minded' and 'pushed' her to 'connect with different types of people', skills she hope will aid her in the competition.
However, she said since she and her family have returned home, she has been 'more invested in the community'.
The winner will of the regional competition will be announced on Sunday, August 3, at the Village Hotel in Bournemouth.
The successful Miss Dorset will then go on to represent the county in Miss Great Britain 2025, with the national Miss Great Britain 2025 final taking place on Friday October 17.
The Miss Great Britain is a national beauty contest held annually in Britain since 1945 and is Britain's longest-running beauty pageant.
