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Deaf girl in final of top modelling contest
BEAUTIFUL Sophie Flory was as delighted as any teenage girl would be to reach the final of a major modelling contest.
But for Sophie, 17, of Evans Close, Maidenbower, the journey to success had been even more nerve wracking as she is profoundly deaf and combines signing and speech to communicate.
Now she says that the experience of Miss Teen Queen UK has given her a newfound confidence and she hopes that other aspiring young girls with disabilities might look to her as a role model.
She said: "I was really nervous and scared about the photo shoot, but I'm looking forwards to the final.
"I'm nervous about the catwalk and walking down it heels, I didn't know if I would be able to do it."
And the organisers of the competition will have a signer on-hand to help her speak in front of the judges.
Sophie said: "It will be hard for me to speak in front of everyone, it will be the first time I've done anything like this, but I'd like someone to speak for me."
And the Central Sussex College student said that being voted into the finals had increased her confidence and added: "I speak to people more because I'm more confident and I don't hold back, I don't care what people thing of me being deaf.
"I'd be happy if another deaf girl saw me and wanted to join Teen Queen, if it gave them confidence I would be happy."
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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