AN ASPIRING catwalk queen is using her grandfather's Alzheimer's battle as inspiration to succeed in the world of modelling.
Irene Jewhurst, of Sangley Road, South Norwood, has been shortlisted for the natural beauty category at the Top Model UK grand finals in April.
The former Oasis Academy Shirley Park pupil says she is proud of her achievements but wants to dedicate any success to grandad Ernest Luckey, 85.
Irene, 22, said: "This is the first thing I've applied for, so to be chosen is really flattering.
"I have been raising money for Alzheimer's charities for the past few years and I want to continue raising awareness for them.
"My grandad badly suffers from the disease and it's such a terrible thing."
Irene's brother Jack, 26, provides sole care for his grandad on the Isle of Wight.
She added: "It is very difficult but we want to care for grandad for as long as is feasibly possible.
"If I made a success of modelling, I would hope to use any kind of power for good."
Irene, who has a BTEC in public services from Croydon College and is soon starting a job at a school for the deaf, is hopeful of continuing her glamorous sideline.
She added: "This is a great confidence boost and hopefully the exposure means I will be able get some more work from it.
"But I applied for this competition because it aims to give a lot of the proceeds to charity."
Irene faces competition from 40 girls as she vies for the prestigious prize at the Hilton London Metropole on the weekend of April 12-14.
You can vote for her by visiting www.topmodeluk.com
