Teenage bully victim becomes beauty queen
A teenager who was targeted by bullies for being overweight has become a beauty queen.
Last Updated: 12:42PM BST 15 Apr 2009
Sarah has now won through to the semi-finals of a major beauty contest Photo: WALES NEWS SERVICE
Sarah Evans, 19, was bullied throughout her school days because of her size and appearance.
Her weight increased to almost 14 stone and she said she hated going to school every day in her size 18 uniform.
The bullys' taunts turned to violence one day when she was slashed across the face with a plastic ruler, and she decided to use her anger for a positive reason.
Miss Evans immediately gave up all her favourite foods - especially chips, sweets and crisps.
And three years later she has dropped to seven-and-a-half stone and has a modelling contract.
She has now won through to the semi-finals of a major beauty contest.
Sarah said: "I was unhappy with my size and I took comfort in eating which made me even bigger.
"It affected my complexion, my hair ... everything.
"But I turned my life around and feel as if I've gone from an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan."
Sarah, of Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, has shrunk to a size six and has been signed up with the Vibe modelling agency and reached the semi-finals of the Miss Wales beauty contest.
Sarah said: "I used to go to fashion shows with my friends and hide in the shadows - but now it's me up there on the catwalk.
"It took a lot of willpower and determination, but every time I needed a boost I would think of all the bullying I suffered.
"Now when I look at my old school photograph, I can't believe it's me."
A spokeswoman for the Miss Wales contest said: "When we saw Sarah's old school photograph we could not believe it was the same girl.
"She has transformed herself into a beautiful young woman."
Teenage bully victim becomes beauty queen.
(D.S.G)
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