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Miss Great Britain Glasgow finalist raises dementia awareness after gran's shock diagnosis
Jenna Kinnaird has been named a finalist in the glitzy ceremony which will take place in Larkhall's Radstone Hotel on June 20.
A big-hearted accounts assistant from Hamilton is raising awareness of a cause close to her heart as she sets her sights on the Miss Great Britain Glasgow crown next week.
Jenna Kinnaird, who volunteers for Kilbryde Hospice, has been named a finalist in the glitzy ceremony which will take place in Larkhall's Radstone Hotel on June 20.
The stunning 20-year-old brunette will compete against dozens of other beauties for the coveted title for the chance to win a place in the Miss Great Britain national final in October.
And while the former St John Ogilvie High School pupil says it would be a "dream" to win the contest, Jenna, who is competing for the second year in a row, is most proud to be raising awareness and funds for Dementia UK following her gran's shock diagnosis.
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She told Lanarkshire Live:"My gran was 71 when she diagnosed with dementia at Christmas last year. She had been working as a home carer for people with memory loss right up to when she was diagnosed. It was very fast moving as she was working at the start of the week, and by the end of the week she could no longer live alone.
"It completely turned our lives upside down when her memory deteriorated. I knew I had to look into how the dementia affected my gran's capability to live alone and wanted to educate others on the whole process that comes with it and how it not only affects the older generation, but young people too.
"My family and I never thought dementia would be something that we would have to deal with so soon. I knew I had to use my platform to let people know there is help out there."
As well as taking part in a charity run for Hamilton Judo Club, Jenna was determined to raise funds for Dementia UK after her gran's sudden illness.
Last month she held a quiz night at Giovanni's Italian Kitchen restaurant in her hometown which raised over £600.
Shy and introverted as a child, Jenna says pageanting has given her the confidence to shine on stage and she can't wait to show the judges all the good work she has been doing for her local community in the lead up to the final.
Jenna will compete in four rounds on pageant day in the hope of being crowned Miss Great Britain Glasgow: interview, swimwear, fashion and eveningwear.
Jenna added: "I was always really shy and anxious as a child. In school I was quite quiet, very introverted.
"I've always been more confident on social media and was approached by Miss Great Britain Glasgow via Instagram. I just went for it and it definitely built my confidence so much that I decided to do it again this year.
"I'm so excited to take part in the finals. I'm excited to show the judges all the work that I've put in this year, compared to last year.
"I love my community and I love helping out so I want to show that I'm prepared to make that time for others. With all the things I've done and the people I've met, I already have a feeling of proudness. I'm getting to go up on that stage and show everything I've done which I feel really good about."
She continued: "And raising money and awareness for a charity so close to my heart, it does already feel like I've won. It's everyone's dream to win, but I'd be so happy for any of the other girls to win as we've became such good friends, it's so nice to see.
"My family are over the moon - they're my biggest supporters. And I don't drive so they're my taxi rides here, there and everywhere! My sister Hanna is autistic and really struggles with her confidence so she always tells me how much it means to her that I get up on the stage."
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