A Scunthorpe teen who competed for and won the title of Miss Teen North Lincolnshire after being diagnosed with autism has made it her mission to raise awareness of the condition through her very own platform named ‘Living in a Rainbow’.
Kayleigh Cook, 17, decided to compete for the title after receiving a diagnosis of being on the autism spectrum in 2022, and came in the top 25 at the Miss Teen Great Britain final in October last year.
Having made it to the finals once again, Kayleigh has retained the title of Miss Teen North Lincolnshire for two years running – and decided to use her position to raise as much money as possible for causes close to her heart, and more awareness of neurodiversity.
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Through an eclectic, rainbow-themed charity ball this September – dubbed the ‘Living in a Rainbow’ ball – Kayleigh aims to raise money via ticket sales to Andy’s Children’s Services at St Andrew’s Hospice, which provides free palliative care to poorly children in the area, and Rubiks Inclusive Counselling, which supports those living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Kayleigh said: “I was anxious when we first arrived at the Miss Teen Great Britain final as I know how I can become overwhelmed because of the amount of things going on, because it’s a new experience and having lots of people around.
“There were moments where I struggled and I had a few wobbles, but we were all prepared and my family know how to recognise when I need to be on my own. Normally if things start to get too much for me I will take myself off somewhere quiet where I can collect my thoughts.
(Image: Miss Teen Great Britain)
“I want to show people that despite sometimes struggling and despite seeing things differently or being slightly different, I can still do anything I want and I want to encourage others to follow their dreams and not let the negativity of others hold them back.
“Raising awareness of neurodiversity is so important because there are so many people that are on the spectrum and getting support can be so difficult. My family have felt like they’ve had a battle on their hands to get support. There are so many people out there that don’t understand what it means to be on the ASD spectrum and the amount of times you hear things like, ‘well I know someone autistic and they don’t act like you’ is frustrating.
“Autism isn’t a one size fits all, it affects everyone in a different way which is why there is a spectrum and it’s why my platform for awareness is called ‘Living In A Rainbow’. It’s about making people realise that everyone is fighting some form of battle or may have something going on that you don’t know about and you need to have an open heart and an open mind and not judge without knowing the facts.”
After raising money for Andy’s Children’s Services at St Andrew’s Hospice through her work for the Together for Short Lives charity, Kayleigh visited the Peaks Lane site earlier this year to learn more about the crucial work they do.
“I collected donations of toiletries from friends and family and we took them over. During the visit and seeing firsthand what the hospice offers to so many families with terminally ill children or children with life altering illnesses made me realise how important raising funds for them was,” Kayleigh said.
“They get very little funding from the government so rely heavily on donations and fundraising to continue doing what they do.”
On Saturday, September 14, Kayleigh will host her ‘Living in a Rainbow Ball’ at Forest Pines Hotel in Brigg to raise money for Andy’s Children’s Services and Rubiks Inclusive Counselling. For £55 each, guests can enjoy a welcome drink, a three-course meal and entertainment such as fire performers, stilt walkers, live music, a photo booth and photographer.
“We want the night to be a fun night where everyone can let their hair down and enjoy the entertainment and dancing whilst raising money for two fantastic causes,” Kayleigh said.
To find out more about the ball and purchase tickets, click here.
Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe
