Derry radio host to take part in Shining Light Final after his own battle with depression

Derry River Radio host, Keith Wright, is set to take part in this year's Shining Light pageant.

The Shining Light pageant is hosting its third charity competition in Derry with the Grand Final set to be held on April 1 2023 at the Everglades Hotel.

Its aim is to raise as much awareness and funds for this year's chosen charities- PIPS Suicide Prevention and NEWPIN NI.

Speaking ahead of the competition, Keith said: "I suffered from depression after a medical condition left me stuck in the house for three years, before lockdown ever happened, which was then another two years.

"I felt like I would never get out of the house. It was one medical problem after another.

"One day in 2021, the old Mayor, Graham Warke, came to my house with two tickets for a concert at Ebrington Square. He told me I had to go and enjoy myself and get out of the house, so I did."

Keith attended the concert and it was there he met an old friend who convinced him to join River Radio. Keith has been there ever since.

"I love music, my family is heavily involved in music. Music did so much for me and my negative thoughts. It helped my depression so much, it got me to where I am now."

Keith is now set to take part in the Mr Shining Light pageant and hopes to raise as much money for the mental health charities chosen as he can whilst raising awareness for mental health.

"Shining Light's dedication to mental health is the main reason I am taking part. It will be an amazing experience and for such a vital cause."

In the last two years, The Shining Light Pageant has raised £30,000 for local charities including Foyle Search and Rescue and ME4MENTAL.
 
Ahead of this year's pageant they wrote: "Our city has been blighted with losses and it is our aim to host this pageant as a way of giving back to those that help those in desperate need of support. 

"Director, Jennifer Taylor, who was crowned Mrs Ireland 2018, knows first hand the struggles that mental health can play in day to day life, having been diagnosed with depression and anxiety 10 years ago.

"It is Jennifer's hope that Shining Light will give many girls, women and men the platform to speak about Mental Health and regain lost confidence by taking part in the event.

"The event aims to aid finalists in meeting new friends, learning new skills and being able to speak about their experiences and be role models for others.

"Mental health illnesses affect one in four people and all the finalists will be asked to present at a Raise Your Banner Round, depicting artistically what mental health means to them.

"In addition, they will be encouraged to conduct their own fundraising efforts in a bid to raise as much money as possible for the chosen charities.

"Miss Shining Light is an inclusive pageant; height, weight, age, health or other conditions that may have affected or changed a potential finalist's life, is not a restriction.

"The aim of Shining Light is to empower people and whilst finalists will be "judged" and eventual winners of each category will be chosen on the day of the Grand Final, all finalists will be able to avail of training, support and opportunities up until, during and after the competition. The subject of Mental Health is at the core of everything the competition stands for."

There are 10 categories to choose from when contestants take part. Mini miss for ages 2-4, Little Miss for ages 5-8, Junior Miss for ages 9-12, Miss Teen for ages 13-16, Miss for ages 17-25, Mrs for 18+ and married, Shining Light  Exquisite for those unmarried and over 25, Classic for those ages 45 and over, Mr Shining Light for those 16 and over and Virtual for 18+.

For more information on the competition please visit: www.facebook.com/ MissShiningLight

The Shining Light pageant  Grand Final will be held in Derry on April 1 2023 at the Everglades Hotel. Tickets are available via the link: https://www. tickettailor.com/events/ missshininglightpageant