Latest news with #MissGreatBritain2025
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
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.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bury mum taking part in contest to use her voice to help struggling families
Bury mum taking part in contest to use her voice to help struggling families From a high school talent show to a national beauty pageant, Monica Ogikpotso Oyasor's journey has come full circle. Now the 27-year-old single mum from Bury is using her voice not just to compete, but to improve the lives of others. Twelve years after appearing in the Bury Times for winning a singing competition at Castlebrook High School, Monica is hoping to become Miss Great Britain 2025. For Monica, entering is all about supporting other women who have faced similar hardships to her. 'Back in 2012, I had no idea that moment would plant the seed for everything I'm doing now,' she said. ADVERTISEMENT 'Even then, the money raised from the talent show went to Cancer Research UK — and now, more than a decade later, I'm raising funds for them again as part of my pageant journey.' A proud Bury native now living in Hawkstone Avenue, Whitefield, Monica's path hasn't been straightforward. After studying A-levels at Holy Cross College and climbing the corporate ladder to become an IT project manager, she found herself starting over in 2019 after a move to Liverpool, pregnancy and a relationship that didn't go as planned. 'I came back home with nothing, stayed with my sister, and struggled to even find a place to live because of my credit,' she said. 'My baby Myles was just three months old and there were days I couldn't even afford milk. It was one of the lowest points of my life.' Monica Ogikpotso Oyasor with her baby Myles (Image: Monica Ogikpotso Oyasor)READ NEXT > Praise for one-stop shop offering support to Bury residents ADVERTISEMENT READ NEXT > 'A huge success': Animal sanctuary's 'Big Spring Fair' raises thousands Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to the Bury Times morning newsletter as well as our breaking news alerts Those experiences galvanised Monica and she began connecting with other single mothers facing similar challenges. Soon the idea for her own charity, Motherhood Unbound, was born. She said: 'I'm in the process of getting it established. Motherhood Unbound is about more than just support. 'It's about survival, community, and helping single mums access essentials, mental health support, and financial tools to thrive.' The charity has just launched its first online community, a Facebook group welcoming both mothers in need and early supporters. ADVERTISEMENT But Monica's mission doesn't stop there. In memory of her brother, who died last September, and inspired by her own childhood dream of creating a safe space for women and children affected by domestic abuse, Monica is also raising funds for A-Sisterhood, a UK-based organisation that seeks to empower, support and protect women worldwide. She said: 'As a child, I watched a lot of chaos around me. I used to say, 'When I grow up, I'll build a home where women and children can feel safe.' This year, I remembered that dream and knew I had to do something." Monica had never entered a beauty pageant before applying for Miss Manchester 2025, the regional qualifier for Miss Great Britain. But, undeterred, and with a renewed sense of confidence, she submitted her application, completed interviews, and made it through. ADVERTISEMENT 'Pageants have changed,' Monica said. 'They used to exclude mothers, but now they're about empowerment. It's a platform to do good as a modern, independent woman.' Alongside her pageant duties, Monica is running a Race for Life event to raise money for Cancer Research UK. She will compete in Miss Manchester in June, with the hopes of progressing to the Miss Great Britain finals in October. She added: 'I never imagined I'd be here — doing this — after everything that's happened. 'I want to show other women, especially mothers, that it's never too late to start again.'
