A BISHOPTON woman is flying the flag for people with disabilities after reaching the final of a major beauty contest for the second year running.
Sarah-Victoria Bayley has 38 different diagnosed conditions, including fibromyalgia and agoraphobia, which leave her in constant pain and often needing a wheelchair to get about.
However, the former dance teacher is determined to make sure her health problems don’t prevent her from living life to the full.
Sarah, 39, will line up in the final of the Ms Great Britain contest, to be held in Leicester over two days in October. She will also attend a training day next month ahead of the competition.
And the mum-of-three is hoping her achievements will inspire other people who have disabilities.
Sarah entered the same contest last year and finished in the top 10. Now she is hoping to do even better this year and claim first prize.
The Ms Great Britain title was introduced in 2020 as a new event for women aged 28 to 39, as part of the traditional Miss Great Britain competition.
Lone parent Sarah, who lives with her mum and stepdad, wants to use the pageant to raise awareness of chronic illnesses.
READ MORE: Brave mum breaks down barriers by securing spot in beauty contest final
She told The Gazette: “There has been a big upsurge in inclusion of disabled people on television and in the media recently, which is great.
“This year, there are 12 of us through to the final and I am hopeful of doing well, with the experience I gained last year.
“I want to show others that being disabled doesn’t mean we aren’t good enough.”
Battling Sarah, who has two daughters and a son, completed a ‘Loop the Loop’ challenge last August to raise money for Cancer Research UK and the muscular dystrophy charity Alex’s Wish.
She was taken up in a light aircraft and experienced the aero acrobatic move, with the plane flying upside down.
For the final of the Ms Great Britain contest, she will be interviewed by a panel of judges and then take part in a fashion show.
Contestants will also be asked about their efforts to raise cash for Cancer Research UK and Alex’s Wish.
Sarah added: “If someone like me, who needs help showering or leaving the house, can make the final of a major beauty competition, then anyone can.”
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