"When Kadey walked in it was how they were supposed to be"

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An inspirational teenager who wore a dress to their prom for the first time has described it as a "magical day." Kadey Hall, 16, from Saxilby, has always been into makeup and experimenting with clothes and wore a stunning purple dress for the first time at their prom on Wednesday, June 29 at Lincoln Castle Academy.

Kadey described the prom as being "a final moment in their journey" to express their authentic self and said it has now given them the confidence to wear what they want. Kadey said: "It was amazing. At first, mum was nervous, but I was excited about getting ready, it was just me.

"When I got there my friends said Kadey looks so happy. It was a magical day. It's given me power and strength whenever I'm scared to wear what I want.

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"I'd like to tell people to just go for it. Now I've gone for it, it's just so freeing and rewarding. It's such a good high." Kadey lives with their mum, Claire Hopkins, 42 and step-dad Andrew in Saxilby with two of their siblings.

Ms Hopkins said that Kadey looked "stunning" when they came downstairs in their dress and that Kadey's sister also made a surprise appearance on the day. Ms Hopkins said: "When Kadey walked in it was how they was supposed to be. It was perfect.

"When we got there and I waited by the red carpet I got more fearful as there were a lot of lads. Kadey got out and went straight onto the red carpet.

"Kadey walked over to me and told me to stop crying. I'm incredibly proud, Kadey is so brave. I don't think anyone recognised them. Kadey wanted to just be themself and no one batted an eyelid." Ms Hopkins said she also received several supportive messages from friends and family on her way to Kadey's prom which made her emotional.

Kadey's dad also said that Kadey is "their own person" and that he supports them in whatever they want to do. Before the prom took place, a spokesperson from Harbour Learning Trust, which runs Lincoln Castle Academy, said: "We are looking forward to celebrating Year 11's achievements as a group and as individuals in their own right.

"While the prom dress code is formal, it is up to them how they wish to celebrate and express how they feel at this important time in their lives. We value each of them and respect their wishes."

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