Two years ago I was picking my funeral song. Now I'm picking my dress for Miss Ireland

IN IT TOGETHER: Emily Hayes, Carrigaline, who two years ago had chosen her funeral song after a sepsis diagnosis, is not only taking part in the forthcoming Miss Ireland pageant, but is helping mum Nicky in her battle with ovarian cancer.

Now, however, she is preparing to compete in the semi-finals of Miss Ireland in Dublin this July after being scouted by an agent from Cork agency Pulse Models at a regional heat for the Rose of Tralee.

Emily’s hope has inspired her mum Nicky to look to the future.