South Shields smile steals the show! First face of National Smile Month has a smile that lights up every room

Campaign organisers, the Oral Health Foundation, picked Isabelle from hundreds of entries as it quickly became clear what a special inspiration she’s been to those around her.

The first winner of this year’s competition was nominated by oral health promotion manager, Joanne Purvis, one of Isabelle’s 14 grandchildren.

Joanne spoke very warmly about her grandmother who has clearly had a huge impact on her life, “Her face lights up the room when you walk in and watching her smile really melts my heart.”

In the nomination, Joanne goes into detail about how her grandmother Isabelle is always smiling, despite her ongoing battle with dementia.

“She’s suffered with the condition for a few years now and sadly I feel she is slowly deteriorating, but she still manages to bring a smile to my face every time I see her,” Joanne said.

“Even at the age of 89, she still loves to have a dance and as soon as music is playing, she’ll be the first one to start moving along with it.