Leanne's pageant journey

Hi I'm Leanne, I’m 53 and very happily married to my amazing husband, who is also my carer!

we have one incredible son Lewis who is 29 and he got married in May to his beautiful wife Becky.. He lives with the same genetic condition as myself EDS and POTS, but he’s not as severely affected, thankfully!

EDS is a multi-systemic, genetic connective tissue disorder that has many co-morbidities! It has caused weakness and fragility in many structures in my body, including the skin, bones, joints, internal organs and blood vessels..

It is a debilitating illness, that has left me disabled and unable to digest or absorb food and oral medication

I have multiple organ / multi – systemic failure (intestinal and bladder)

Severe muscle wastage, hyper mobility and joint instability, Which means I’m prone to dislocations!

I live with fatigue and chronic pain, in almost every part of my body and I have acute pain flare ups!

Mast Cell Activation Disorder(MCAD), causes random allergic reactions, several times daily, I suffer with hives and respiratory symptoms, Asthma, Addisions and Autonomic Dysfunction, that are treated with IV steroids and immunosuppressant injections!

I'm prone to paralysis in my legs and arms and I suffer autonomic seizures, cramps, spasms and tremors!

I have inflammatory arthritis now, which affects my joints, causing severe inflammation, pain and functional hand control!

Over the years I have fought for my life countless times and have had a number of life changing surgeries.

I’m on long term intravenous feeding(TPN), due to intestinal failure and IV medication, I have a double lumen Hickman line, this is my lifeline.. I also have an ileostomy, a venting peg, that drains my stomach and a supra- pubic catheter, due to bladder failure!

I live 'with chronic bladder infections, so I’m on long term daily Intravenous antibiotics!

I’m a permanent wheelchair user now and I live with my various tubes, lines, bags and drains, all that help me to function and stay alive!

I have a Permobil F5 Corpus Power chair( my RollsRoyce Wheelchair) This has opened up my world, giving me freedom and independence!

Despite all my disabilities and illnesses I still try try to live the best life I can, when I can, rising above all my symptoms as much as possible!

I’m proud to be a mature, wheelchair model, disability advocate and an Ambassador for several online companies!

This Thursday, I take to the National pageant stage For the first time!

Winning a National title, would not only be a dream come true, it would give me the opportunity to raise more awareness and show everyone on my platform and beyond that no matter how hard life maybe or how many obstacles you have to overcome, or challenges you face, you can still follow your dreams and fulfil the desires of your heart.. It’s not easy, I know, but anything is possible, if you believe in yourself!

It was only Last November that I competed in my first pageant(Warrior charity pageant 2023) this is for anyone living with invisible or visible illnesses!

l took to the stage in my wheelchair defying all the odds set against me and managed to win several awards including 'best in catwalk', 'most confident' and 'best personality overall' as well as achieving third runner up in the classic category and winning my first Crown and sash as the Christmas photo competition winner!

This inspired me to continue on my pageant journey and I have competed in 2 more live events, Endeavour Uk and Heart of England, winning more awards, crowns, sashes and trophies!

I also enter Photo Awareness competitions and online pageants..

I’m really happy to say that I’ve won more titles, crowns, sashes, medals and trophies!

I’m so proud to wear my crowns and sashes, it’s amazing how this makes you feel, when everything is a real struggle, it’s moments like this that keep you smiling!

I loved every minute on the pageant stage and can’t wait to sparkle and shine again,

I rock the runway with my wheels and it’s like for those few special moments I come alive and can forget about everything!

My aim is to reach out to others, who struggle to see the beauty that shines out of them, to encourage body positivity and confidence.

Yes.. We need to celebrate ourselves, today is a time to remember that Every"body" is beautiful..and deserves to be celebrated, no matter who you are, or what disability you may be living with, you are a person, a human being and you're more than good enough, you are worthy, You are YOU!.. Anything is possible if you believe in yourself!..

I’ve signed up with very little time, to organise it all, so I’m really behind with everything!..

If you can help me to to contribute towards any of the expenses listed below, or support me in any other way,

through Sponsorship..

Sponsor my sash( which arrived this week)

Sponsor/ donate a gown

I would really appreciate any help, so that I can take this next step in my Pageant Journey..

The funds raised through this page, will contribute towards all expenses For Diamond UK and other Pageants

EntranceFee: £275

Optionals: £90 for 2: Model Portfolio and Spokesmodel Video

Optional Awards: All 6: £60

Opening Number Outfit: £80

Interview outfit: £55

Fashion Wear Outfit:£100/£180

Evening Wear Gown: £200/£250

Jewellery to match outfits: £60

Hair Accessories:£50

Cape for Fashion Round:£50

Gloves for fashion round: f10

Shoes/Shoe Accessories: £100

Make up: £50 a day x3 - £150

Hair: £35 x3- £105 or £95 for one..

Eyelashes: £10 x3= £30 and eyeliner adhesive pen:£15

Video over 3days: £30

Photographer over 3days: £50

Accommodation: £90 x 3days-£270

Travel: £150

and any other relevant expenses.

Thank you and God bless you all

Leanne Thompson..