It proved an emotional occasion as a beauty pageant was held to support a mum fighting cancer and her family.

Rebecca Turner, from Hethersett, has been fighting stage three melanoma cancer for four and a half months following the termination of a baby to start lifesaving treatment.  

Norwich Evening News: Rebecca managed to come out of hospital to make an appearance Rebecca managed to come out of hospital to make an appearance (Image: Amy Howard)

Rebecca has been a pageant girl for much of her life, winning many crowns and supporting the next generation of beauty queens.  

As the 30-year-old remained in hospital battling for her life, her friends got together to support her in the most fitting way possible.  

Norwich Evening News: Some 27 people competed in the pageant Some 27 people competed in the pageant (Image: Amy Howard)

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Best friend Amy Howard got to work in planning a beauty pageant – and to make it better Rebecca was even able to leave Priscilla Bacon Hospice for a day to attend as a special guest. 

Amy, 36, said: “To have Rebecca there was lovely for her to be able to see all the hard work that went into it but also for her to see the support she has.

"It was very emotional at points but we would not have it any other way.  

Norwich Evening News: The rounds reflected Rebecca's favourite things, including a Disney round The rounds reflected Rebecca's favourite things, including a Disney round (Image: Amy Howard)

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“She definitely felt the love.” 

Amy had planned many rounds including a pyjama round and a Disney round which would display all of Rebecca's favourite things.  

Norwich Evening News: Every contestant was presented with a certificate and a crown Every contestant was presented with a certificate and a crown (Image: Amy Howard)

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But there was one prize that they couldn’t wait to award, with Amy adding: “After we crowned the contestants, we presented Rebecca with an award for bravery.  

“We also awarded her little girl Arielle and dad Jonny for being so supportive for Rebecca.” 

Norwich Evening News: Organisers Amy Howard, Lisa O’brien and Zoe Carmichael-Drage Organisers Amy Howard, Lisa O’brien and Zoe Carmichael-Drage (Image: Amy Howard)

DONATE: Raising funds to support a beautiful family fighting cancer

With special guest Princess Ariel and performances from Simon Kindleysides, Amy said Saturday (September 30) really was a special day at Park Farm Hotel.

Following her appearance at the pageant, Rebecca’s fight continues as she is now weak following immunotherapy and has been diagnosed with pneumonia again.  

Norwich Evening News: Princess Ariel was booked to surprise the family as she is Rebecca's favourite Disney character Princess Ariel was booked to surprise the family as she is Rebecca's favourite Disney character (Image: Amy Howard)

Amy said: “We’re really not sure what the plan is going forward.” 

In total, they have so far raised £2,571 but will continue.