A LEADING North East leisure company is throwing its weight behind one of its staff members in a bid to help her dreams come true.
Amy Hudson, a part time barmaid at Osbornes, Jesmond, has reached the UK finals of an international modelling competition – and, even though it means they could lose her, her bosses are backing her all the way.
Osbornes’ owner, Newcastle-based Malhotra Group plc, is not only sponsoring 19-year-old Amy in her bid to be voted Top Model 2015 but is also conducting a social media campaign, urging other staff and customers to vote for her.
Amy, a psychology student at Northumbria University, has seen off competition from 4,000 models from across the UK to become a finalist in the Editorial category of the Top Model competition, which is in its ninth year.
The only finalist from the North East, Amy, from Darlington, will compete against 18 other models in a runway fashion show in front of a panel of judges at the Grand Final to be held in London on 14 March.
However, as well as competing in her category, she is hoping to win the competition’s Charity Vote Award; presented to the model who raises the largest amount of money for the competition’s nominated charity, Children With Cancer UK.
Amy started working for the Malhotra Group six months ago and the company has not only pledged an undisclosed amount to the charity, but is encouraging staff and customers at Osbornes and its restaurants and hotels across the region to lend their support.
Atul Malhotra, director of The Malhotra Group, said: “We didn’t have to think twice about getting involved.
“Not only is the fight against childhood cancer a very worthwhile cause, but we are also hugely proud of Amy.
“To reach the finals of the competition and to be the only North East entrant to do so is an incredible achievement and we’re happy to back her all the way – even if it means losing her to the bright lights of the fashion industry.”
Amy, who took up modelling during a gap year visit to Chile, said she has been overwhelmed by the support she has received since entering the competition last August.
“It’s all been a bit nerve-wracking and I can’t believe I’ve made it through to the finals,” she said.
“But everyone’s been so supportive and so pleased for me that I’m determined to do my very best and, hopefully, bring the title home to the North East.”
Votes cost £1 and can be made through Amy’s Top Model Virgin Giving page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=AmyH3
Voting closes at 5pm on Wednesday 11 March 2015 and the Charity Vote winner will be announced at the Grand Final.