WARRINGTON’S Junior Miss Cheshire Abbie Potter has had a rollercoaster year since winning her title while at the same time helping raise thousands of pounds for charity.
Padgate girl Abbie, aged 17 has had a busy year fulfilling her Miss Junior Cheshire duties, while also attending Manchester College studying performing arts.
Looking back on a year which has changed her life, Abbie said: “From the age of three I have been dancing, attending Stagecoach performing arts for four years, during which time I’ve performed in Disneyland Paris, Birmingham arena in Cats, Annie in the Grand Theatre and a number of music videos.
“However, I have always had a passion for charity work. My family has always been involved with volunteering for our community and numerous charities including Cancer Research UK.
“Early in 2017 I saw an advert for a catwalk, based on community and charity work, making friends and building confidence. All of which stood out to me. I applied on the spot to be called days later to be told I was shortlisted for Junior Miss Cheshire 2017, the first Junior competition in Cheshire!”
Abbie added: “As a finalist, my school was really supportive allowing me to sell cakes, handmade gifts and themed treats for both Easter and Mother’s Day. At school, I was also head girl which led me to being involved in all sorts of fundraising projects for Sport Relief, Comic Relief, Children in Need and so on.”
Abbie says the process of being a finalist was great fun.
“We had an activity day where we met all the amazing finalists and spoke through all aspects of the competition. The girls were all supportive of each other. On the night we all pulled
together and cheered one another on. I didn’t expect the results at all. I won Junior Miss Cheshire popularity for my support online and Junior Miss Cheshire publicity for the businesses and media platforms that had supported me.
“From winning the title of Junior Miss Cheshire I have achieved so much. I have been involved with charities, businesses and people in the media all over Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire of course!
“I have switched Christmas lights on, spoke at meetings for young people, been a host at balls and events including LGBT Prides, promoted local businesses, spoken on radio stations and been in the media.
“I am so thankful for the opportunities I have had.
“I have also been fundraising for a number of charities. As a finalist I raised funds for Variety The Children’s Charity which I have continued as Junior Miss Cheshire. This has involved fun days, guess the name of the bears, raffles,
Pamper days, sponsored leg wax, charity stalls and tombolas. I have also enjoyed being a part of team 1C at Alderhey who fundraise for Healing Little Hearts.
“In March this year, we held a ball at the Shankly Hotel. The ball raised £19,000 which funded four camps around India saving over 60 lives of young children and babies.
“I was so passionate about this charity that I am continuing being involved and delighted to announce our Stars and Stripes ball is returning in October. I have also recently completed a 5K in aid of Healing Little Hearts in Liverpool,” she added.
There is going to be no let up for Abbie who is now a finalist in Miss Junior Britain in August!
Abbie Potter – Picture Paul Jackson
