Bothwell model reaches Miss Universe GB final

Mar 11 2010 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

A BOTHWELL model has reached the Miss Universe Great Britain final and raised over £3000 for charity in the process.

Mhairi Brown (24), who works for the Life Skills recruitment agency housed at Hamilton Accies’ New Douglas Park stadium, came second in the prestigious competition, held at Club Milan in Glasgow.

The former Holy Cross High pupil progresses to the May 2 event in the Birmingham ICC alongside winner Sara Pender (20) from Glasgow and Jennifer Welford (23) from Paisley, who was third in the competition.

Stunning Mhairi raised the cash from a collection ahead of a recent Hamilton and Motherwell derby match at New Douglas Park.

She also organised a charity fashion show at the 29 Private Members Club in Glasgow.

Mhairi said that she was surprised to learn that from the 20 finalists she had raised the most cash for the Make-A-Wish Foundation charity.

Now Mhairi has promised to continue working for the cause, which provides once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for terminally ill children.

Mhairi said: “I’m ecstatic to have reached the final.

“There was a big build-up to the final stages and it was a fantastic night.

“There was a bit of pressure because there were 20 finalists and there were a lot of great girls in the competition.

“To be representing Scotland in the UK final is a real honour and I’m really excited about it.”

Mhairi has been blown away by how much support she has received from Life Skills, Hamilton Accies, family and friends.

She said: “Everybody has been fantastic.

“We’ve got over £3000 and we’re still counting just now.

“My initial aim was to raise about £2000 but it has been better than expected. I hope it comes in at about £3500.

“Fans at the game were very generous and we got a great response.

“I have a good connection with Hamilton Accies and the charity fashion event is something I’ve got experience of as well – more so being in it than organising one, which was a big, big difference!

“It emerged on the night that I had raised the most money. I was surprised by that because I know everybody has put in an equal amount of effort to fundraise, but I’m thrilled.”

Mhairi, whose dad John is Lanarkshire chairman of the Princes’ Trust, added: “I’m going to continue to work for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“It’s a great charity and I’ll do whatever I can to help.”