I’ve traded dead bodies for glitzy catwalk after being crowned a pageant queen – I keep pinching myself
A FUNERAL home worker has told of her joy at becoming a beauty queen.
Olivia Sharkey, from Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire, was named Miss Great Britain Glasgow at a glittering ceremony at the Broadcroft Hotel in Kirkintilloch last weekend.
The 21-year-old blonde beauty beat nine other competitors to the title, with Rebecca Miller from East Kilbride coming second and Sophie Louise Stewart from Greenock placing third.
Olivia will now go on to represent the city at the UK’s longest-running beauty pageant Miss Great Britain at the national final in Leicester in October.
She said: “I couldn’t believe it when they called my name out as the winner – I’m still pinching myself.
“I entered the competition as I wanted to take a leap out of my comfort zone, and I’m so glad the risk paid off.
“It was truly the most rewarding experience and I’m so grateful that I got to spend it alongside a group of some of the most inspiring women I’ve ever met.
“I’m so honoured to be able to represent my hometown of Glasgow at the country’s longest-running beauty pageant and I can’t wait to continue to use my title to raise awareness of the causes closest to my heart.”
Olivia, who is one of only three female funeral service operatives at firm Joseph Potts Funeral Directors, hopes to use her platform to continue to raise funds and awareness for bereavement charity, Cruse Scotland.
She continued: “Helping others to navigate through grief is one of the most rewarding things about my job.
“I feel so honoured to be supporting others going through what can be an incredibly tough time.
“Hearing the stories of the families in our care is what inspired me to increase awareness of Cruse Scotland, and over the last seven months, I’ve been proud to raise more than £1,300 for the organisation.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to work alongside the charity during my tenure as Miss Great Britain Glasgow in the hopes that their services can reach those who need it most.”
Olivia McPike, co-director of Miss Great Britain Glasgow, said: “We are overjoyed to welcome Olivia as our new titleholder, and we can’t wait to support her in her journey to the Miss Great Britain stage later this year.”