Beauty finalist shows she has a head for heights

Shauna, a receptionist at Unique Hair Salon in Hillsborough and one of the finalists in the pageant, said the experience was both ‘terrifying and exhilarating’.

“Unfortunately it was raining when we did the abseil” said Shauna.

“I was looking out at the view over the city, but then when I saw the edge I started to get nervous.

“It took me about five or ten minutes to go down. I froze a bit with nerves and thought I would never get down, but then I got going again. There were six of us doing it and I was the last one to go, so I could hear them cheering me on from the ground and although I couldn’t look down to see them it was good to know they were there.”

The abseil on Sunday May 18 is just one of a number of things the past pupil of St Patrick’s College, Banbridge has done for the charity.

Shauna said: “I have left my tips box out in work specifically for the Make a Wish Foundation and I recently held a raffle night where I raised £220. I am still fundraising and on Sunday June 29 I will be doing a skydive for this fantastic cause”.

The Ultimate Beauty UK and Ireland aims to drive among other things, fun, friendships, confidence building and inner beauty.

Shauna, who has never done anything like this before, first noticed an advertisement about it on Facebook.

“I saw the advertisement and decided to give it a go. I just went all out for it and have found it a really good experience.

“This is a pageant with a purpose. I’m loving every minute of it and honoured to be a part of it.

“It has been very rewarding working for the Make a Wish Foundation and has really helped to raise awareness for this great charity. Fundraising is a big part of the pageant and very important.”

The Ultimate Beauty of UK and Ireland has raised over £21,000 so far for charity and this year’s final is on the 1st of July in Belini’s, Newry.

“There will be three rounds,” said Shauna “an evening gown round, a white cocktail dress round, and a party wear round.

“I’ve chosen a really sparkly evening dress and it’s going to be a really good night for everyone.”