Ms Great Britain finalist with disabilities to host charity speed dating in Glasgow

Ms Great Britain finalist Sarah-Victoria Bayley is raising money for Cancer Research UK and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy charity Alex’s Wish by hosting a series of speed dating events in Glasgow.

Renfrew-born Sarah is hosting the Mates & Dates speed dating and networking events for people looking for their soulmate or those looking to meet new friends.

The first event will be held at Gin 71 Renfield Street on Friday, September 16, for anyone over the age of 18.

Colin Mearns (Image: Colin Mearns)

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The mum-of-three told the Glasgow Times: “I’ve been single for six years and it’s difficult to meet people these days.

“There are so many apps as well, and I think you can’t get a real feel for someone on an app.

“I thought this way it’s good, it’s not just for dates, it’s for networking as well.”

Sarah, 39, entered her first pageant six years ago when she split up from her husband and wanted to do something for herself.

She said: “I became hooked on them, because it has that aspect of performing but you’re only on stage for two minutes at a time.

“The main focus is on the charity fundraising and helping in the community, and I’ve always really liked doing that.

“I think it gives me more of a purpose when I’m not able to work, I’m giving something back, you know.”

Sarah has a performing arts background but a traumatic event when she was 22-years-old tragically led her to become unwell and is now registered disabled due to fibromyalgia and other illnesses.

Colin Mearns (Image: Colin Mearns)

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Through beauty pageants Sarah has been able to 'reclaim her identity' and become an inspiration to people that have visible and invisible disabilities.

She said: “When I did first start the pageants, I didn’t announce that I use a wheelchair sometimes. It wasn’t something I just stood up and told everyone.

“And on one occasion I had photographs taken whilst I was in my wheelchair, and there was quite a bit of backlash.”

The mean comments she received from people over her wheelchair use made Sarah even more driven to bring awareness to what she calls “semi-visible disabilities".

She added: “I was just learning. I had just had a TIA mini-stroke, so I was getting used to being in the wheelchair and I felt embarrassed.

“I didn’t want to go out if I was in it. And it’s just now that I’m coming up for 40 that I realise that I have to live for myself.

“I feel like it’s my responsibility to help other people, to educate them, and to make them feel better if they’re in a similar situation.”

Sarah will host a series of charity events before she takes the stage on October 20 and 21 in Leicester to compete for the Ms Great Britain crown.

The pageant is a new branch of the Miss Great Britain pageant for hopefuls aged 28-39 and Sarah was enrolled with the help of her sponsor, Picture Perfect Aesthetics.

Sarah said: “Through the whole of the Ms Great Britain system, they’ve never had a winner that’s been registered disabled or a wheelchair user, so I would be the first person ever if I was to win, to hold the title and be a disabled person.”

More information about the events can be found on Sarah’s Instagram, @thatscottishbeautyqueen.

Tickets:buytickets.at/sarahvictoriabayleymsgreatbritainfinalist.