Miss Birmingham contestant raises money and awareness about teenage suicide

A teenager who is competing in this Sunday’s Miss Birmingham finals at Resorts World hopes to use her influence to raise awareness about disability, youth suicide, and mental health issues affecting the young.

Isobel Lines from Wednesbury is currently a student at the University of Worcester. The 18-year-old has spent time ahead of the Miss Birmingham contest, which takes place on 2 June, to raise money for a charity that is close to her heart.

Semi-finalist Isobel told I Am Birmingham:

“I have been raising funds for Papyrus – Prevention of Young Suicide. So far raising over £600.

“This has been possible through the organisation of a charity event called ‘Walk With A Purpose’ where I challenged myself to walk up the Malvern Hills blindfolded accompanied by other University of Worcester students.

“The idea of doing it blindfolded came from my studies because I’m used to working with people with disabilities as part of modules on disability sport.

“I hope it will increase donations because there’s a big difference between walking up a hill and walking up blindfolded. But it will also be beneficial because I have got to be able to teach people with disabilities as part of my studies and I think this will help my understanding and experience of what it is like to have sight loss.”

University of Worcester Pro Vice Chancellor, Ross Renton, said:

“It’s great to see one of our students setting up an event to raise money and awareness for such worthy causes and getting other students involved.

“Attempting this challenge blindfolded is ambitious, but it shows how our students are inspired by their studies to gain a greater understanding of people they are working with and the challenges they face.”

Isobel also revealed one of the key reasons why she selected this charity after she lost a friend to suicide:

“I chose this charity as it is close to my heart after losing a friend to suicide just last year in sixth form.

“I want to succeed in this competition and raise awareness for young suicide in memory of him.

“In relation to young suicide, I am wanting to raise awareness for the solemnity of Mental Health and the negative impact it has on teenagers such as myself as I too struggle with this.”

Isobel is a Miss England Semi Finalist and will be competing for the Miss Birmingham title on Sunday 2nd June 2019 at Resorts World, Birmingham.