Eight-year-old Northampton boy is top model despite pain of catwalk poses

Keelan Beech, from Eastfield, has a condition that means his hip joint is constantly being worn away, making walking very painful. The pain is such that he normally uses a wheelchair.

But judges have been so impressed with the Headlands Primary School pupil’s poses on the catwalk that he was awarded second place in the Top High Street Model UK national final, and later this year will be in the world finals.

Keelan’s dad, Lee Beech, said: “It’s really quite painful for him sometimes because of the specific way you’re expected to walk and position yourself. He does it with a bit of a hobble, bless him.

“But modelling for him is so special he’s so determined that this what he wants to do in his life. I’m so proud of him.”

Keelan’s sister, Aimee-Lee, who won the Chron’s competition to find the ‘face of Northampton’, is also a model.

She has had to overcome her cerebral palsy to impress the judges in the Top Model UK and Top High Street Model competitions.

Mr Beech said: “She just wants to show everyone that having a disability doesn’t have to hold you back.

“As long as you’re prepared to work hard at it, anything is achievable.”