Model’s beauty bid
Teen overcomes illness to reach contest final
A TEENAGE beauty from Wearside has reached the final of a national modelling contest, despite suffering from epilepsy.
A TEENAGE beauty from Wearside has reached the final of a national modelling contest, despite suffering from epilepsy.
April Coxon has been chosen to represent the North East in the finals of Miss Teen Great Britain, which will be held in Blackpool in August.
The 17- year- old, from Penshaw, Sunderland, started having uncontrollable seizures every day when she was 11 and was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 12.
April said: “When I was diagnosed with epilepsy I lost all my confidence, I wouldn’t dare talk to people in case I had a seizure,
“Taking part in pageant competitions has given me my confidence back.”
However, the musical theatre student now needs to raise sponsorship of between £ 300 and £ 800 in order for her to be able to compete in the finals.
As well as impressing judges on the catwalk so far, she has also helped raise £ 300 for epilepsy charities.
April said: “I am so excited to have made it to the finals, I didn’t imagine to get this far in the competition, it is a great achievement.
“The competition is about so much more than a pretty face. I am willing to work very hard to win this competition and get a sponsorship. I will perform in events for companies and local businesses and can provide a lot of publicity at the final too.”
The winner of Miss Teen Great Britain is in line to land a modeling contract and £ 1,000.
April added: “I hope I can find a sponsor so I can go to Blackpool.
“It would be a dream come true to compete for my hometown there and do the North East proud.
“Anyway that anybody can help would be amazing as it’s been hard for me to find sponsorship so far.”
To get in contact with April, email aprilsmusicable@ hotmail. com.