Girl power

The Fletcher girls, of Bispham, have all entered the same beauty pageant and are already busy raising money for several good causes.

All three have overcome difficulties of their own, as they all have the same life-limiting condition – so rare it doesn’t have a name – and are now determined to help others.

The youngest, Grace-Ann Fletcher, seven, was born with multiple issues including a heart murmur, curvature of the spine, and epilepsy.

She has had to spend a lot of time having physiotherapy, making regular trips to hospital and being looked after at Brian House Children’s Hospice.

She has chosen Brian House as one of the charities she wants to help, with her fundraising as part of the Miss Junior Bispham competition.

Middle sister Hope, aged eight, recently had to undergo brain surgery and has been diagnosed with anxiety disorder and Muscular Dystrophy.

She has chosen Aiming Higher, a charity for disabled children, to benefit from her fundraising efforts, as the family has enjoyed some of the days out the organisation provides.

And eldest sister Faith, 12, is autistic and has experienced bullying as a result of her condition, so has chosen Autism Aware UK for her charity.

The girls will also be carrying out fundraising for Cancer Research UK, which is the Miss Junior Bispham contest’s chosen charity.

Proud mum Alysha Fletcher said: “We are organising events fun days over the next few months. As well as raising money for the competition’s chosen charity, the girls have all picked good causes themselves they wanted to help, which are really close to their hearts.

“We found out that all three of our girls have the same life-limiting disorder, to some degree and are all affected differently. It was a bit of a shock, but they are all doing great.

“It’s incredible how well they are all doing and how they have overcome challenges, and want to think of others and help others.

“I’m really looking forward to the competition and seeing them all dressed up in their pretty dresses.

“It doesn’t matter where they finish in the contest, I just want them to all have fun and enjoy it.

“It’s been a tough time for us, I’ve had four operations and health problems myself this year too.

“We are so proud of the girls and the fact they want to do this.

“They have all picked good causes which mean a lot to them.”

The first event, organised by Faith, will take place on Sunday, between 12.30 and 4pm at Blackpool Sea Cadets HQ on Devonshire Road, Blackpool and will be a family fun day including craft stalls, food and drinks, lucky dip, tombola and raffle.

The next one, for Hope, will be held at the same venue on November 11 and Gracie-Ann’s event will be a Christmas fair, at the same venue on December 9.

Anyone who can help with donations, such as raffle prizes, can email [email protected]