A North East teenager has swapped pageants for charity fundraising by organising a clothing collection for an air ambulance service close to her heart.
Lacey Dobson, 16, from Hexham, collected 20 bags of clothes with her mum, Kay, to raise funds for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).
Clothes Aid collected the items for recycling to support the charity’s life-saving work.
Lacey Dobson at the at GNAAS' HQ (Image: GNAAS)
Miss Dobson said: "Me and my mum know someone who was helped by the Great North Air Ambulance after they had a really bad accident.
"It’s such a life-changing charity and I think many people don't realise it's actually charity funded."
She documented the donation on Instagram as part of her ‘donation diaries’ series.
She said: "I liked that you can get the items collected from your house.
Lacey putting a bag into the clothing bin (Image: GNAAS)
"I think it's such an easy process and the guy who picked it up was lovely as well.
"He had a lot of bags to carry though, so he had a bit of a workout."
After donating, Lacey visited GNAAS headquarters near Eaglescliffe, met the critical care team and toured one of its helicopters.
The visit was one of several community projects Lacey has taken part in since entering pageants at 10.
Lacey Dobson (Image: Supplied)
Miss Dobson said: "My mum signed me up for a pageant system and I just got straight into it.
"It’s really helped with my confidence, and you get to do charity work and get involved in the community too.
"I think there are so many good things that come from it."
Her pageant career has taken her from local contests to international titles.
Lacey Dobson (Image: Supplied)
She was crowned Junior Miss Galaxy UK before winning Junior Miss Galaxy International in Orlando, Florida, in 2024.
Her mother, Kay Dobson, said: "Pageantry has been a huge part of her life, giving her wonderful opportunities to travel, meet new people, build confidence and make friendships and memories that will last a lifetime."
Lacey is preparing to return to Miss Teen Great Britain after finishing runner-up previously.
She said: "I'm very excited to go back."
Lacey Dobson inside a GNAAS helicopter (Image: GNAAS)
Away from pageants, she has started sixth form, where she studies graphic design, politics and psychology, and hopes to become a lawyer.
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She is already collecting more items for GNAAS as she continues supporting charities through her pageant platform.
Miss Dobson said: "The charity helps hundreds and hundreds of people, so I think it’s really important to give back and support them, because you never know when you might need their help."
Clothing collections for GNAAS can be arranged through Clothes Aid by completing its online enquiry form or calling 020 7288 8545.