Doctor from Calderdale hopes to inspire others in Miss West Yorkshire competition

Saskia Fauguel is representing the Calder Valley town at the competition which aims to find the region’s next top model and top role-model.

The 26 year-old has lived in Todmorden for most of her life and entered Miss West Yorkshire to have a different experience, hoping to inspire others.

“As much as it is an honour to support people as a doctor, I am usually wearing scrubs, face masks and visors. It would be amazing to dress up as beautiful as I feel inside,” she said.

“I endeavour to represent the kindness and heart of West Yorkshire, show everyone that we all have beauty that is unique, no matter our shape, or colour, or bone structure. We can also have great inner beauty that shines through and can positively affect other people’s lives. We can all overcome our difficulties and achieve our dreams and be confident in ourselves.”

Saskia has overcome many obstacles in her life, such as low confidence and depression, to be the doctor she is today.

She is using her platform to raise awareness of taking care of your mental health and is raising money for the charity Candlelighters.

She said: “Mental health especially is very close to my heart. I would love to spend time volunteering and fundraising.”

Working as a doctor at Bradford Royal Infirmary has been a “busy and stressful time” for Saskia during the coronavirus crisis.

Despite some health services being quiet at the beginning, due to the fact many were concerned at going to hospital during the initial stages of lockdown, Saskia moved to psychiatry to work with patients on their mental health.

“Covid saw an increase in psychiatric admissions, especially in depression and suicidal thoughts,” Saskia added.

“It’s been really busy and stressful, and very difficult for the patients.

“It’s a situation we haven’t been in before, and learning to work with and treat patients in a whole new way is difficult on both sides.”

This year the finals for Miss West Yorkshire will be held in Barnsley with social distancing measures in place.

To help Saskia in the final of Miss West Yorkshire, and to donate to Candlelighters, visit www.justgiving.com.