Miss England 2018 Finals
Photographs by Pat Hughes

SADLY, this year the title of Miss England 2018/19 was not issued to any of the 4 stunning models from Merseyside, but they still have done the area proud and are continuing to do so, as they will carry on fundraising and promoting Merseyside until they hand over next year. This year's Miss England crown has been awarded to the fantastic Miss Newcastle 2018/19, Alisha Cowie from Newcastle upon Tyne, or should we say the new reigning Miss England 2018/19.

Alisha Cowie said:- "I wanted to dedicate my first ever post to my Beauty With A Purpose project. During my year and, in the lead up to Miss World, I will be working closely with The Oaks School. My platform is Autism Awareness and The Oaks specialise in teaching autistic children. My passion for this began when my brother was diagnosed with autism at 8 years old. I have witnessed my mum struggle with his challenging behaviour and also witnessed my brother struggle with himself. Due to this I am dedicating my project to helping children like my brother and families like me own. I hope for you to keep an eye open for my up and coming Beauty With Purpose A Project as I just know you will all love it! I can't wait to be representing my beautiful country in Sanya, China, in the Miss World final!"

Well done to our Merseyside representatives, Abigail Foster, Miss Liverpool City Region 2018/19, Elli Wilson, Miss Wirral 2018/19, Jennifer Amy Leigh, Miss Southport 2018/19 and Chloe Ludden, Miss Woolton. If you want them to attend your event or to help collect for your charity, please email us at:- news24@southportreporter.com or Pat Hughes, via emailing:- Pat@Miss-Liverpool-City-Region.com. All 4 girls have quite a few events lined up already, so please give as much notice as you can, so they can try to fit you in.

These are a few photographs taken at the 2nd part of the Finals and crowning night, that took place on 5 September 2018, at Kelham Hall and Country Park, by Pat Hughes. Video footage can also be found on our Southport Reporter Facebook Page.

Southport fundraisers celebrate 10th year of afternoon tea

SOUTHPORT based fundraising committee for North West Cancer Research has held its 10th annual Afternoon Tea event raising more than ₤2,500 in vital funds for life saving cancer research.

Hosted at Hillside Golf Club, more than 200 guests attended the Afternoon Tea which was raising money for independent charity North West Cancer Research. Alongside sandwiches, cakes, scones and tea, attendees also enjoyed entertainment from award winning vocalist, Julie A Scott.

Now in its 10th year, the event has proven itself popular and over the years has raised more than ₤10,000 for the charity. With the help of match funding from Barclays, organisers of the event expect this year's total to add even more to the amount raised.

North West Cancer Research raises money for life saving cancer research across the North West and North Wales. The Charity has committed to funding more than ₤13million worth of cancer research over the next 4 years, including projects at nearby University of Liverpool.

Olive Cutts, Chair of the Southport Committee, said:- "This year's Afternoon Tea has been as popular as ever. I'm grateful to all of our dedicated supporters and would like to thank them for contributing to the total we raised for North West Cancer Research. I'd also like to thank the team at Hillside Golf Club who kindly allowed us to host another of our events; now in our 10th year, the club has been very supportive of all of our fundraising events. The staff from Barclays have been a huge support this year also, we're always very thankful for their generosity."

Alastair Richards, CEO of North West Cancer Research, said:- "We know how hard the Southport Committee work to make events like the Afternoon Tea so successful. It's a great testament to the Committee that the event remains so popular and grows in numbers each year. As a charity we rely on the support of our committees and fundraisers. It is only through their continued support that we are able to fund life saving cancer research in the region."

Team to take on Simply Health Great North Run in support of Southport Respite Holiday Centre where they work

2 local runners form team to take part in UK's largest ½ marathon, the Simply Health Great North Run, on behalf of Revitalise Sandpipers, in Southport, on Sunday 09 September 2018.  Southport locals Natalie Savage and Eugene Smith are making their final preparations for their participation in the Simply Health Great North Run this Sunday on behalf of Revitalise Sandpipers, a local respite holiday charity supporting disabled people and carers.

Both Natalie and Eugene are members of staff at Revitalise Sandpipers, with Natalie being a Holiday Care Assistant and Excursion Driver at the centre, while Eugene is the centre's chef. Natalie was due to be joined in the challenge by her husband Christopher who is also a member of staff at Sandpipers, but due to injury Christopher is no longer able to participate. Revitalise would like to thank Christopher for all his hard work in preparing for the challenge prior to his injury.

Revitalise provides respite holidays for disabled people and carers at Sandpipers and 2 other UK centres. Accessible excursions, activities and entertainments are an integral part of every Revitalise holiday. 

People wishing to support Natalie and Eugene in their challenges are welcome to make a donation by visiting:-

►  Natalie's Just Giving Page.

►  Eugene's Just Giving Page.

The Simplyhealth Great North Run is the biggest ½ marathon in the UK. Natalie and Eugene will join the thousands of runners taking on the 13.1 mile journey, from Newcastle's City Centre to the coast in South Shields.