Published Thursday, 17 November 2011
Sheree Black, 22, was left trying to pick up the pieces of her life when her 14-week old son Cameron suffered horrific and ultimately fatal injuries at the hands of his dad in 2008.
"Cameron's the first thing on my mind and always will be - he'll never leave my mind and he's in my heart," the young Glengormley woman told UTV.
But she says that is exactly what has allowed her to move on.
"Cameron has given me the strength to do this - without my family, friends and partner around me and without Cameron in my heart, I don't know where I'd be today."
I think that's why I'm where I am today - Cameron has given me the strength to do this.
Sheree Black
The tot's father, Newtownabbey man Ryan Leslie, is serving a minimum of 17 years behind bars after being convicted of his murder in March of this year.
But Sheree, who describes the last three years as "absolute hell", has been working to turn her life around since the trial ended.
Now one of 15 women competing in the final of Miss Ulster at Stormont on Thursday night, she is hoping to pursue a career in modelling.
"I'm not on a dark path anymore - I'm on the right track, so I'm actually quite proud of myself," Sheree smiled.
And she is hoping that her progress will give hope to others struggling to rebuild their lives.
"Just think positive, take all the negativity away - because all it'll do is bring you down," she advised.
"Try not to get trapped in that environment and just stay positive and have good family and friends around you."