‘Mr England’ bid for alopecia sufferer, 25

ABAR owner and child support worker is raising awareness of alopecia by competing for the Mr England title.

Tom O’Toole, 25, who owns the Live Lounge in Haslingden, is currently in second place in his qualifying heat for the male beauty pageant with over 800 votes, which he says is helping him feel ‘normal’ again after being diagnosed with the hair loss condition last year.

If he wins the Facebook vote, the former actor will be entered into the grand final of Mr England in July.

Alopecia is a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, and Tom, from Helmshore, has said the competition has allowed him to share his journey with those who don’t feel comfortable with their body image.

He said: “I started having a problem in August 2016, I could see my hair thinning and for me, hair was a huge part of my appearance and confidence. To lose my hair was a big deal, like many men out there. A week later I was diagnosed with alopecia and the following week I lost all of my hair.

“My confidence disappeared, I started wearing a cap to hide myself when out in public, I just hated how I looked.”

Tom’s hair has grown back, but says he still finds patches missing, however he accepts that there are people in a worse position than he is, which is why the Mr England competition has a personal meaning for him.

He added: “The Mr England title, for me, isn’t about having good looks, it’s more about being a role model.

“I’ve always wanted to open a youth club for unprivileged children who are hanging around on the street.

“I would also like to do classes for people who have experienced the alopecia journey, so they can all talk and share their story.

“Just six months ago I was hiding away and I’d lost my confidence, now I’ve got this opportunity.

“Since having alopecia, I’ve always wanted to share the journey with others who also don’t feel 100 per cent with their bodies or the way they look.

“To try and inspire people, that anyone can compete in things like this no matter what they have been through. Being part of this competition makes me actually feel ‘normal’ and accepted.”

To vote for Tom, visit the ‘Mr England’ Facebook page and click on photos then select Mr England 2017 Auditions #2. The competition ends at 12noon on Friday, March 31. ●● Tom O’Toole, is a contestant in the Mr England social media competition which, if he wins, will put him in the grand final in Birmingham on July 16