Miss Derry says 'beauty pageants gave me confidence after car crash horror'

Shannon Hutcheon, from the Hazelbank area of Derry, struggled with her mental health for years after the accident on June 4, 2010, in Donegal.

It was the day before her younger sister Brooke’s first birthday, and the family was travelling between Lifford and St Johnston to go shopping for a party when a van collided into the side of their car.

Shannon’s mum bore the brunt of the impact, while her dad sustained a broken foot. Shannon suffered cuts and bruises, but her baby sister was taken to hospital, along with her mum, due to her young age.

Although she couldn’t recall the details of the crash, Shannon, who had always been shy, began to struggle with her confidence, depression set in and she was diagnosed with PTSD.

But winning a title at her first beauty pageant in 2018 gave her a much-needed boost, and next month the newly crowned Miss Derry 2023 will take part in the Miss Ireland final, raising money and awareness for her chosen charity, PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland.

“I began my pageantry journey five years ago, and it’s been the best thing I’ve ever done,” said the reception manager of Elite Aesthetics in Derry.

“Even at school, I had no confidence. I was incredibly shy and would never put myself forward for plays. I always ended up playing the star or an angel in the Nativity.

“But after the accident, things got a lot worse. Mum was in hospital for six and a half weeks, and for the first 24 hours things were touch and go for her and my sister, who was only a baby.

“I can’t remember anything about the accident. My brain must’ve blocked it all out to protect me, but everyone says we were lucky to survive. My struggles with mental health began around then.”

Not only was Shannon (24) having to deal with the aftermath of the crash, but during a hospital scan it was also discovered she had a heart issue. She had also recently started secondary school, another huge change in her life.

But the teenager kept everything to herself until finally, in 2017, she went to see a doctor, broke down in tears and described how she’d been feeling.

It was then she was diagnosed with PTSD and put on medication to help the low moods and accident-related anxiety.

That same year, she underwent heart surgery for coarctation of the aorta. It was a lot to take in.

“I did go for counselling, but I struggled to talk about the accident,” said Shannon.

“It was only a good eight years afterwards when I was finally able to say out loud that I had been terrified that my mum was going to die.

“I had counselling again earlier this year with Derry Well Woman, and it really helped — I let it all out. I feel I really benefited from counselling this time.”

Five years ago, the international travel and tourism graduate decided to enter Miss Earth Northern Ireland, held in Derry, to raise money for the Playtrail playground.

She was awarded the ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ title in recognition of the large sum of money raised.

Shannon caught the pageant bug and befriended Miss Crown & Glory Ireland Anouska Black, from Craigavon, who went on to win Ms Crown & Glory UK. Inspired by Anouska, Shannon competed in Wales in 2019 and was crowned Miss Crown & Glory UK, raising £565 for the children’s charity Abbie’s Army.

There was double delight for the family as Shannon’s sister Brooke, who won Junior Miss Shining Light in its first year, came first runner-up in her category at Miss Crown & Glory 2019.

Shannon held onto her title for three years as a result of the pandemic, eventually handing over her crown in 2022. But she had one more goal — to be crowned Miss Derry.

On August 27, she competed in the second preliminary round of Miss Ireland 2023, and was thrilled to be named Miss Derry.

The former St Cecilia’s pupil is the only contestant from Northern Ireland who will vie for the Miss Ireland title on November 4 in Dublin. The winner will then represent Ireland at Miss World.

“I am so proud to have won the Miss Derry title,” said Shannon.

“More girls from here used to take part, so if given the opportunity, I will use my year to promote the system and secure other finalists from Northern Ireland to compete next year.”

Shannon said that as Miss Derry, she will also continue to raise awareness and funds for PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland, a cause that is not just close to her heart, but which also does a lot of vital work in the city.

“Many people here have been affected by mental health, me included, so this is a charity which means a lot to me,” she continued.

“For such a long time, I struggled and really lacked confidence in myself.

“Now I’ve been given this wonderful opportunity to represent Derry, and maybe even my country, on the Miss World stage.

“It’s a dream come true and such an honour.”