Beauty With A Purpose: Miss Northern Ireland 2025's Inspiring Cancer Journey

On Monday night, 23-year-old Carly Wilson became the next Miss Northern Ireland as she took on the crown from previous winner Hannah Johns.

A Turning Point in Adversity
In a full circle moment for the Ulster University student, Carly admitted it was Hannah's advocacy work during her reign as Miss NI that made her step out of her comfort zone and apply. Back in 2021, the Co Down woman was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called PAWS-GIST which impacts the digestive system and turned her life upside down.

From Pain to Purpose
Four years later, she decided to take what was the most difficult time of her life and turn it into something positive by entering Miss Northern Ireland to share her story and raise both awareness and funds for people suffering from cancer too. Carly shared how the 'Beauty With a Purpose' aspect of the competition was her inspiration for entering and winning the Miss NI title was 'surreal'.