Efia Quartey, 18, will once again support charity FAST UK, who aim to cure Angelman Syndrome, a rare genetic condition her nephew Hudson, four, suffers from.
Efia on the catwalk during last year’s Miss Great Britain Glasgow finals
A Glenmavis beauty has secured a place in the Miss Great Britain Glasgow finals for a second year in a row – and will once again use her model behaviour to support a charity aiming to cure the rare genetic condition her young nephew suffers from.
Efia Quartey, 18, is “so excited” to make a return to the catwalk and continue backing her brave nephew Hudson, four, of Gartcosh, and his battle with Angelman Syndrome, which affects only one in every 15,000-17,000 people.
In her efforts towards being crowned queen at the Glasgow finals in June, Efia is again fundraising for FAST UK (Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics).
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Angelman Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and causes severe physical and intellectual disability.
Efia has revealed that Hudson is “doing well” and continues to be wowed by “the wee superhero”.
She told Lanarkshire Live: “Hudson is defeating all of the odds and we are all so proud of how he is battling Angelman Syndrome.
“We were told he would never walk or talk but he has started talking – often saying ‘Mama’ – and taking a lot of steps unassisted.
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“He is a wee ray of sunshine and I hope I can raise as much as possible for FAST UK again this year.
“There have been some successful clinical trials into Angelman Syndrome but it’s still a really new condition that even a lot of doctors and nurses are still learning about, so the more support the charity receives the better.”
Efia is again fundraising for FAST UK (Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics)
As previously reported by Lanarkshire Live, Efia, who turns 19 just before the Miss Great Britain Glasgow finals on June 20, has a background in modelling, and passion for the industry from a young age.
Her spot in last year’s Glasgow finals came about after a chance encounter with the regional director at the Fort shopping outlet who came up to Efia’s mum and said, “your daughter is stunning”, and that she would put her straight through to the finals.
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Responding to a second consecutive finals appearance, a delighted Efia said: “I am so excited to be back competing for Miss Great Britain Glasgow.
“Last year’s experience will help me this time around and it’s even more thrilling to be there again.
“I loved every minute of it. I did a few appearances after the event last year and I was certain it was something I wanted to repeat.
Efia has revealed that nephew Hudson is “doing well” and continues to be wowed by “the wee superhero”
“The finals are a month earlier this year so I have less time to prepare but I want this so badly and will give my all to be successful.”
Hard-working Efia has her own business, Fifi Beauty salon in her home village, and has also donated funds and clothing to Airdrie Community School Uniform Bank.
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She added: “I have ran my own business for three years and it is going tremendously well. We are a small team with our own skill-set and everyone is really delighted for my second inclusion in Miss Great Britain.
“My mum is my biggest supporter and she is so proud of me. I couldn’t have done it all without her.”
To donate to Efia’s fundraising campaign, search for her name on the JustGiving website.
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