A TEESDALE teenager is hoping to steal the show as her beauty pageant journey goes international.
Kaitlyn Ramsay, who lives in Romaldkirk, took part in her first pageant in May and has never looked back, raising hundred of pounds for charities.
The 14-year-old took part in the Belle Pageants County Durham contest last month and won through to the Miss Belle International grand finals.
She was also crowned the pageant’s north-east ambassador and won the director’s choice award for her hard work.
The finale will be held in April next year and will take place in Albir, in Spain.
The Teesdale School pupil said: “It was really exciting for me. I was not expecting it. My confidence has increased loads. I feel a lot more confident in front of people when I’m on the stage.”
As part of the pageants, Kaitlyn must undertake charity and community work. She was tasked with raising at least £50 for Ronald McDonald House, in Liverpool. However, in just four weeks she raised £332 and is not planning to stop there.
Ronald McDonald House provides free accommodation for parents and carers of critically ill children being treated at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, in Liverpool.
For the past 25 years, the centre has supported more than 25,000 families in its 84 rooms. However, the centre relies on donations to cover its £600,000 annual running costs.
To continue raising money for the charity, Kaitlyn is conquering her fear of heights this weekend by abseiling down Peel Tower, in Bury.
She said: “I’m feeling fine about it. I have to do it. It is all for a good cause.
“ I love doing the fundraising. I feel very proud of myself.”
Kaitlyn also organised a charity fashion show at M&Co, in Barnard Castle, earlier this month.
Having made an appearance at Middleton-in-Teesdale carnival earlier this month, Kaitlyn also appeared at Barnard Castle Truck Show during the bank holiday weekend.
Meanwhile, she is also looking at organising a charity pageant in Teesdale.
Kaitlyn’s mum, Melissa Ramsay, said: “We are very proud of her.
“It is amazing how much Kaitlyn’s confidence has grown. We are proud of the fundraising Kaitlyn has done too.
“My perception of pageants was totally different to what it actually is. It is more to do with elegance. They don’t get judged on beauty.
“It is more about their confidence and personality. They also make lots of new friendships.”
Awards that Kaitlyn has picked up at the pageants include those for most confident, best personality and most elegant.
Kaitlyn’s younger sister, Carys-Grace, is already following in her footsteps too. The four-year-old has joined Belle 2019 and is hoping to win a place to Spain in 2020.
Any event organisers who would be happy for Kaitlyn to make an appearance should call Ms Ramsay on 07717310280. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kaitlynramsaybelleuk.
