Scarlett Heseltine-Hawke, who is 13, will compete in the final in October in Blackpool after she was crowned Miss Junior Teen Burnley . A world away from the old stereotype of just being beauty contests, modern day pageants are about celebrating teenagers, boosting their confidence and self esteem and showing them they can achieve their dreams. Scarlett entered the competition to raise awareness of Tourette’s Syndrome, a condition she was recently diagnosed with, to show that whatever challenges young people face they achieve whatever they put their mind to.
Her proud mum Stephanie said: “Scarlett has gone through a difficult time since the diagnosis and she lives with aggressive tics on a daily basis. But the pageant community is so welcoming and accepting, it has really helped her to cope with the condition.” Advertisement Advertisement Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to Burnley Express, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.
The charity Tourettes Action has been working closely with Unity College in Burnley, where Scarlett will enter year nine next month, to educate teachers and pupils about the condition. As part of her role as Miss Junior Teen Burnley Scarlett has been working with a variety of different organisations to raise money for Tourettes Action and she is also planning a 5k run and a bake sale. A keen animal lover, Scarlett will also be attending a fundraiser for Pendle Dogs next month.
Scarlett will have plenty of supp.