An inspirational student from Salford City College has made it to the final of a national modelling competition after a headline-grabbing charity stunt.
Level 3 IT Software student Leah Dean, 17, shaved her head last July to raise money for Cancer Research UK, and the media coverage this gained caught the attention of a top modelling agency.
Last year one of Leah’s teachers at her high school, The Albion Academy, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Leah explained: “She was a real inspiration to me, and so when she was diagnosed it really hit me. The way she dealt with it and the strength she showed made me want to do something to show my support, so I decided to shave my head for charity.”
Leah’s charity stunt received a huge response on social media, and in total she raised an amazing £3k for Cancer Research UK. Her inspirational story also caught the attention of the national and local press, including The Mirror.
As a result of the national press coverage her charity fundraising received, Leah was approached by a top modelling agency, who put the student forward for the Miss Teen Model UK competition. She is now one of five finalists, and is looking forward to attending the grand final in Warrington on Sunday 26th June.
“The modelling competition is a really big thing for me, being a short haired girl, as it has given me a platform to show my belief in equality,” explained Leah. “I’ve had my fair share of comments since I shaved my head, but I know how to stand up for myself, and am passionately against bullying.”
The student’s charitable streak did not end with her head shave- on Boxing Day last year Leah won £600 on a scratch card, and without hesitation decided to donate it all to flood victims in her local area. She explained: “It was an easy decision to make, as I was no worse off for it, and it was awful to know that some people had been left with nothing because of the floods.”
She added: “I have never been so proud to be from my area, Lower Broughton, as I was at the time of the flooding. It was amazing to see everyone coming together to help other people in their community.”
When she’s not raising money for charity, Leah is studying IT Software at Salford City College. She is a strong advocate for getting more girls into IT, explaining: “IT is a very male-oriented industry, but I believe in the equality of women, so I think that they should be entitled to the same opportunities.”
Leah plans to get involved in the College’s annual ‘Girls in ICT Day in April, which is part of a global effort to raise awareness on empowering and encouraging girls and young women to consider studies and careers in ICT. She explained: “I am one of only two girls on my course, but it doesn’t bother me to be surrounded by males.”
When asked what her favourite thing is about studying at Salford City College, Leah said: “The support from the tutors is great, and they are all really approachable. It is good that there are female IT teachers at the College to act as role models.”
She added: “I’m also looking forward to September when my course moves to FutureSkills, as it will be good to work with the modern facilities and technology they have over there.”
Once she finishes at college, Leah plans to go to university to train to be an IT teacher, as she would like to be a role model for young girls who want to study IT.
