Meet Miss Aberdeenshire Galaxy
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INVERURIE’S Taylor Clark has had to overcome more than most to show that she deserves her spot in next weekend’s grand final of Miss Galaxy UK.
This will be the 19 year old’s second time competing in the beauty pageant, and after last year's top 16 placing she's hoping to push the bar even higher this year.
Explaining how she got involved, Taylor said: “I saw Harriotte Lane being crowned along with Chloe Lake and I thought I would love to enter Galaxy UK.
“My mum said she would look into it and when I asked again she knew I was serious about entering.
“I wanted to show people that anyone can do anything they put their mind to regardless of age, gender or disability.
“I find it difficult meeting new people, I hope they don’t judge me because I have Down’s Syndrome.”
Miss Galaxy UK is not Taylor’s first foray into the pageant world as she has previously won the title of Miss Belle Scotland, but unfortunately she stopped competing after facing constant battles with other competitors who thought that her Down’s Syndrome meant she shouldn’t be allowed to compete.
Despite not competing herself, Taylor would enjoy watching her sister participate in pageants while they were growing up.
Thankfully she has found Miss Galaxy to be a much more welcoming environment, and said: “Everyone who enters has been massively supportive, there are just a few trolls who send messages now and again.
“Miss Galaxy is a fabulous pageant system, they are one big family and support everyone no matter win or lose and they have been excellent helping me.
“One special person who made it happen last year was Steph Hodson - she transformed me and gave me the confidence to get on the stage in front of all the judges and people who were there to cheer on everyone and I had a fabulous time.”
Taylor will compete in four different rounds - she is most looking forward to the swimwear round, as well as taking to the stage in fashion wear and evening wear.
There is also an interview round, where Taylor hopes to charm the judges with her personality.
During her reign as Miss Aberdeenshire Galaxy Taylor has focussed on raising awareness of the abilities of people who have additional needs.
She has also raised money for The Christie Charity and Ronald McDonald Charity, as well as making regular donations to the local foodbank and animal charities.
Discussing her chosen causes, Taylor said: "I donate to the local charity shops to give back, as my mum has always taught us that if we use the service then we should help to give back when we can.
"We donate to the local food bank to help others who need it and I also help the dogs and cats, I always put stuff in the crates at Tesco and hope that it helps.
"I try my best to raise awareness for people who have special needs, as many people don't realise the potential and the joys special needs children and adults can bring into their lives."
Taylor hopes that she can make her sponsors, Guzzler’s Fizz and Fit’s The Scoop, proud on the day and said: “I love representing Aberdeenshire, this is my home.
“If I win I will be over the moon as it is my dream to win it one day, I would love to represent Galaxy and the special needs community.”
With less than two weeks to go, Taylor and her family are now into the final preparation stages.
On social media, Taylor has been doing a 14 day countdown alongside other Miss Galaxy UK competitors to share some of her excitement in the run up to the event and she will be putting the final touches to her appearance book and outfits over the coming days.
"We check out the competition and last year's winners to see what dresses are appropriate, my mum gets all my dresses.
"I'm wearing a bikini this year but with a little bit of Scotland attached so it will be fun.
"We have a 14 day count down and normally with seven days to go my mum sorts my appearance book and I help stick the pictures in it and my sister helps me with what I want to say.
Miss Galaxy UK takes place in Lancashire on March 14, and whoever wins the title of Miss Galaxy UK will join other Galaxy UK title holders - Ms, Mrs, Junior Teen and Miss Teen - to travel to America to compete in the Galaxy International Pageant later in the year.
