A CLACKMANNAN woman has been busy raising money for Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity.

Nicola Allan gathered £150 for the cause, which aims to brighten the lives of youngsters living with serious or life-limiting illnesses, through an event held in her salon.

The 27-year-old will compete in Beauty of the UK in October as Beauty of Clackmannanshire and took on the fundraising as part of her pageant work.

She said: “Rays Of Sunshine Children’s Charity grants wishes for seriously ill children in the UK. This is an amazing charity that helps seriously ill children escape the reality of their illness by letting them have their one wish come true.” Nicola, who was formerly in the army where she spent four years in the RLC regiment as a communications specialist and driver, raised money through raffles, blow-drys and putting hair up at Nico’s Salon.

The Beauty of Clackmannanshire first got into pageants last year when she was chosen as Miss Clackmannanshire Galaxy and has been enjoying the experience they bring.

She said: “I got involved in pageants because I loved getting dressed up and looking good and it’s a great way to help build confidence. But what I didn’t know was just how much hard work and preparation goes into getting yourself ready for a pageant, such as fundraising and helping your community and doing appearance in your county.” Nicola is also gearing up to participate in Miss Galaxy next year.