Bullying victim triumphs over adversity

A NORTHSIDE girl has triumphed over adversity to set up her own charity.

Elaine Finnegan (22), from Northwood, Santry, told Northside People how she has been the victim of vicious online bullying.

Elaine has since overcome the experience to set up an innovative fundraising initiative to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society.

It’s a cause close to the heart of the 22-year-old who lost her mother to leukemia when she was just nine-years-old.

This, coupled with vicious bullying, has given Elaine the drive to succeed and overcome any obstacle.

The stunning Santry local was runner up in the Miss United Nations Ireland 2011 competition, which she believes prompted the first torrent of abuse.

“It was pretty horrific stuff,

? she explained.

“The things that were said about me on Facebook were really very hateful.

“It came from the same group of people; people I would have grown up with which made it even worse.

“They called me every name under the sun and really took a dislike to me.

?

“I don’t think it was because of my modelling. I think it was because I put myself out there, which drew negative attention my way.

“I had to set up a new Facebook account and I had to change my mobile number as well because of the texts I’d been getting.

?

Despite the bullies’ best efforts, Elaine remained determined to rise above it and set up Fashion Statement Ireland, a course she runs in association with the Irish Cancer Society.

The entrepreneurial young woman now visits schools with the aim of building students’ confidence.

At the end of the module the students then organise their own fashion show from which all the proceeds are donated to the Irish Cancer Society.

Elaine does this on a voluntary basis and also works three other jobs in one of Olympia’s bars, a nightclub and a hotel to make ends meet.

“I want my story to show that anything is possible and you can overcome anything,

? she said.

“I’m standing strong and I want to be a role model to other young ladies.

?

Elaine said online bullying is a horrific thing.

“It’s getting out of control so I want to show that if I can keep doing my thing so can other people who are experiencing similar difficulties,

? she added.

For more information on Elaine’s charity, email info.fashion.statement@gmail.com