Derry girl's hopes for Junior Miss Shining Light title

Derry girl Brooke Bradley is currently working towards the title of Junior Miss Shining Light 2023, alongside other finalists from the city.

Nine year old Brooke has been working hard and fundraising for the pageant's two chosen charities, PIPS Suicide Prevention and NEWPIN NI, as mental health awareness remains at the core of the pageant.

This is Brooke's second year taking part in the competition and her proud mum, Shannon, said it is amazing to see the boost in confidence the pageant has given Brooke, "Before taking part last year, Brooke did have low confidence and the confidence she has gained from the experience is massive.

"Last year, when we applied, she was so nervous and shy and now this year she is so excited and can't wait to take part. As a mum, it is so lovely to see.

"Everybody there is so supportive of each other, it is like one big family.

"Every penny raised goes towards the fundraising too which is amazing, last year Brooke managed to raise £1000. She loves taking part. She wasn't crowned last year but she didn't mind and she is going in with the same mind set this year.

"She is going in with the frame of mind that it isn't about winning or being crowned, she is just really enjoying it. She is making friends and having fun, it is really good for everyone."

Miss Shining Light is hosting its third charity pageant in Derry with the Grand Final set to be held on April 1 2023 at the Everglades Hotel. Its aim is to raise as much awareness and funds for the chosen charities.

In the last two years, the pageant has raised £30,000 for local charities including Foyle Search and Rescue and ME4MENTAL. 

The Miss Shining Light Pageant wrote: "Our city has been blighted with losses and it is our aim to host this pageant as a way of giving back to those that help those in desperate need of support. 

"Director, Jennifer Taylor, who was crowned Mrs Ireland 2018, knows first hand the struggles that mental health can play in day to day life, having been diagnosed with depression and anxiety 10 years ago.

"It is Jennifer's hope that Miss Shining Light will give many girls, women and men the platform to speak about Mental Health and regain lost confidence by taking part in the event.

"The event aims to aid finalists in meeting new friends, learning new skills and being able to speak about their experiences and be role models for others.

"Mental health illnesses affect one in four people and all the finalists will be asked to present at a Raise Your Banner Round, depicting artistically what mental health means to them.

"In addition, they will be encouraged to conduct their own fundraising efforts in a bid to raise as much money as possible for the chosen charities.

"Miss Pageant is an inclusive pageant; height, weight, age, health or other conditions that may have affected or changed a potential finalist's life, is not a restriction.

"The aim of Miss Shining Light is to empower people and whilst finalists will be "judged" and eventual winners of each category will be chosen on the day of the Grand Final, all finalists will be able to avail of training, support and opportunities up until, during and after the competition. The subject of Mental Health is at the core of everything the competition stands for."

There are 10 categories to choose from when contestants take part. Mini miss for ages 2-4, Little Miss for ages 5-8, Junior Miss for ages 9-12, Miss Teen for ages 13-16, Miss for ages 17-25, Mrs for 18+ and married, Shining Light Exquisite for those unmarried and over 25, Classic for those ages 45 and over, Mr Shining Light for those 16 and over and Virtual for 18+.

For more information on the competition please visit: www.facebook.com/ MissShiningLight

Miss Shining Light is the Grand Final in Derry on April 1 2023 at the Everglades Hotel. Tickets are available via the link: https://www. tickettailor.com/events/ missshininglightpageant