When teenage mother Karys McHattie learned that her new baby boy wouldn’t survive unless he received an immediate blood transfusion, her world around her fell apart.

Terrified that she was going to lose him, Karys screamed.

She said, “It was horrible and then came the worst 24 hours of my life, when I was taken to the special baby care unit for treatment.”

It saved the life of 19-year-old newborn, Hudson, so Karys uses a unique way of thanking the hospital and repaying the staff for everything they’ve done for her and her baby.

A few months after Hudson was born, Karys entered her first teenage beauty pageant in Perth.

Although she has never entered such a competition before, she won the title of Miss Royal Perth.

She has been competing ever since, using the platform to raise funds and highlight the work of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

She also currently collects and donates knit baby clothes for young people.

Karys has earned his way to the national final of the Royal UK Miss Pageant, which will be held in Manchester.

She said, “If I win this, I will continue to compete in Orlando Florida, taking Hudson with me and being able to showcase Ninewells’ work to a global audience.

“The Royal UK Miss pageant is not a typical pageant.

“There is no rating on beauty or physical attributes and girls and women can compete at any age, height or marital status.

“Each finalist is encouraged to get involved in their community and have the opportunity to support a charity of their choice.

“One-off tours promote life skills such as public speaking, formal interview skills, and resume writing.

“The system fosters brotherhood and a sense of family, with everyone supporting each other.

Karys explained up to a month before her due date in November 2019 that her pregnancy went well, although doctors warned her baby was small.

Four weeks ahead of schedule, Karys unexpectedly gave birth.

“I arrived at Ninewells where Hudson was delivered normally at 1am, weighing 4lb 4oz, but other than being small everything seemed ok.

After being with him until the next afternoon, the doctors realized there was a problem.

“I thought it looked a bit yellowed and I told the nurses.

“They took him for tests and decided that his hemoglobin was low and had low platelets and that he would need a blood transfusion if he was to survive.

“It is because of the doctors and nurses on the unit that Hudson is now a vibrant and successful little boy and I will be forever grateful to him.

“If I can do this to thank them, raise awareness and increase funding, I am delighted that I can do it.”

Anyone who would like to donate and support Karys can contact her at [email protected] For more information on the competition, visit www.royalukmisspageant.com