A MISS England finalist from Coventry wants to help teenagers fight back against the ugly reality of cyber bullying.
Sian Healy, a finalist in the Coventry and Warwickshire heat of the national competition, became the victim of online and physical bullying while at school.
The 17-year-old’s story doesn’t stop there – so severe was the level of abuse, she was physically assaulted outside a Coventry club as part of a coordinated attack organised online.
After shutting herself away from the world in her bedroom, Sian eventually allowed her confidence to grow – and now works as a business administrator for tool hire specialists GAP.
With her parent’s support, the determined youngster has turned her fortunes around and is hoping her Miss England appearance will raise awareness and more than £1,000 for mental health charity Coventry and Warwickshire MIND.
Proud mum Claire explained her daughter has become an ambassador for the charity and wants to raise more awareness about cyber bullying and its impact.
She said: “Sian was so traumatised she would not venture out of her room, her father and I were so worried.
“But now she is working to raise the issue of cyber bullying and its impact by going into schools to talk to teenagers about the risks of Internet trolls.”
The Binley resident will be staging a fundraising event for MIND at The Village Hotel in Dolomite Avenues on Sunday, March 19, ahead of the Miss England heat on April 1.
A runway catwalk, dancers, singers and a magician will keep guests entertained as Sian sets her sights on the £1,000 fundraising goal.
She said: “I am going to be doing various events to make children aware of cyber bullying and the dangers of social media.
“I will also be taking part in lots of charity work – such as cake sales, running and sporting events at my local boxing gym – Red Corner – who have always supported me to raise funds.
“I want to encourage others to follow their dreams and teach children the consequences of cyber bullying.
“I have always held back from following my dreams and lacked a lot of confidence but I have fought my battles and came out wanting to help children and young people going through the same thing.”
Those wishing to help Sian achieve her fundraising page can do so by visiting her Facebook page @sianfinalist2017.
Voting starts March 1 and ends a month later on April 1.
