Isabella’s smile hides her secret suffering

EXETER schoolgirl Isabella Ferrazzano is putting on a brave face as she prepares to take her place in the finals of Britain’s top beauty pageant.

The 15-year-old, already crowned Miss Devon, has beaten off thousands of hopefuls across the country to reach the grand final of the Galaxy Pageant Miss Teen UK competition.

And she has done it despite being diagnosed with debilitating Crohn’s Disease just five months ago.

The inflammatory disease of the intestines, which has no cure, causes severe abdominal pain, vomiting, tiredness, and lack of concentration.

The diagnosis, in May, dashed her hopes of a career as a frontline medical officer in the Army – but has not stopped her putting herself in line to go on to America and the world final of the pageant.

Isabella, who lives with her parents Liz and Chris, in Featherbed Lane, Exmouth, attends St Peter’s Church of England School in Exeter.

She said: “I am pretty excited about it all now. I saw the competition on the internet and thought I would give it a go.

“To reach the finals is amazing and my mother and I have already been out looking at the different outfits I’ll be wearing for the big day.”

Isabella’s mother, Liz, said: “We are so proud of her and all she has done, despite having Crohn’s disease which although manageable can hit suddenly and leave her in a lot of pain and not feeling very beautiful.

“It takes a lot of spirit to get through it.

“It was only in May when she had suspected appendicitis that they took a biopsy and discovered it was Crohn’s.

“She was in the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital for some time and then put on a special powder diet for seven weeks which was terrible for her.

“She had wanted to join the Army’s medical teams and had passed the first stage with flying colours but after the diagnosis the Army wrote to tell her she was not able to be accepted because of her medical history.

“They were very good about it. It was a big blow but she has bounced back.”

Isabella is now looking forward to going to university.

If you would like to sponsor Isabella for the pageant contact 07834 350970.