Leicester Mercury

Emily keeps raising cash as she bids to win crown

TEENAGER SET TO FEATURE IN MISS ENGLAND SEMI-FINALS

- By NICK DAWSON nicholas.dawson@reachplc.com virginmone­ygiving.com

A TEENAGER is finding creative ways to raise money as she prepares for her next pageant.

Emily Rowlands, 17, from Froleswort­h, is competing in the first virtual Miss England semi-finals taking place via a livestream at the end of July.

The contestant­s are asked to raise as much money as they can for the chosen charity, Beauty with a Purpose.

Emily said: “Fund-raising for charity is something I’m extremely passionate about and I’m using my platform during the Miss England contest to do as much as I can, even if it has to take place online.

“Beauty pageants have changed so much throughout the decades and they are a way for passionate females to have a platform to do incredible charity work that really makes a difference.”

Emily is running an online raffle, with Leicesters­hire businesses donating beauty treatments, haircuts and pick and mix hampers.

She said: “I am a passionate feminist and am trying to change the stereotype of beauty pageants as it is so much more than just looks.

“The girls do the most incredible charity work and are role models to many.

“Being just 17 and one of the youngest semi-finalists, I am determined to show no matter your age, if you put your mind to something, anything is possible.”

Emily was runner-up in Miss Leicesters­hire 2020.

She raised £220 for Leicester homelessne­ss group The Y Charity, by running a pick and mix sale at her college and organising a collection of essential items around her village.

She said: “You don’t have to be limited in lockdown. There are still so many opportunit­ies to do things.

“The Miss England virtual contest has shown how far you can go, especially with the amount of work the girls are doing.

“Fund-raising still can happen, even if you can’t go out and do it yourself.”

Emily is in her first year of A-levels and wants to study business management and marketing.

■ To donate to Emily’s campaign, search for “EmilyRowla­nds5” at:

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PAGEANTS: Emily Rowlands

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